If you are planning a model railway layout then you are likely making some crucial decisions, one of which will be...
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What is H0 gauge?
The simplest way to answer that question is to take 1 foot of real life railway and shrink it down to 3.5mm and there you have it, H0 gauge.
But it is not quite that simple because when you shrink down engines, rolling stock, buildings and scenery it would usually be referred to as H0 scale or for those technically minded 1:87 scale model. H0 gauge refers mainly to the track but the concept remains the same with 1 foot of real life being represented by 3.5mm or to put it another way there is 16.5mm between the inside edges of the metal rails that the trains run on.
So why distinguish between scale and gauge? Well the truth is it does not really matter with regards to H0 scale / gauge, as everything in the H0 model world is scaled down proportionately unlike some other gauges where the track is scaled down disproportionately to the locomotives.
H0 is the gauge of choice for a lot of modellers in continental Europe and North America as it deliverers the best compromise. Sure you could fit a little more detail onto a larger gauge but then you would not be able to fit as much layout into your attic or guest room, likewise with a smaller gauge you could probably recreate more realistic bends and longer stations which I think is fair to say is most modellers dream.
But smaller more fiddly gauges are not for everyone, especially if younger children are likely to be playing with them, so for most H0 gauge it is and any dissatisfaction at the compromise will soon be forgiven thanks to the gauges popularity and established place in the market the sheer range and product variation out there for this gauge is really quite comprehensive and exciting.
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