O Gauge Trains are second only to HO model trains in terms of their popularity; this is one of the larger scales of model train, but there are a lot of enthusiasts out there who prize O scale models exactly because they are so large. Not only does the large size of these trains mean that they generally bear a lot of fine detail compared to smaller trains, but they are also an excellent choice for children and any adult who find smaller models difficult due to impaired vision or physical difficulty handling smaller trains.
O Gauge Trains have been around for a long time and started around 1900 by Marklin, a German toy manufacturer. These early models were just toys, and not purchased by real hobbyists until much later. O scale trains originally started out with three rails for extra support of this large size. Now just like other scales of model trains, there are different scales depending on where you live which is important to know. In America, O scale is 1:48 the size of a real train, but in England, this is 1:43:5, and in other parts of Europe it is 1:45. So when you are ordering your O scale train, make sure that you are using the right scale for where you live, or your train won’t run.
These larger model trains are a bit costlier than smaller gauges, but O gauge trains are still very reasonably priced. Scenery and other accessories made for this scale also tends to be slightly more expensive, though hobbyists can of course simply add scenery a piece at a time as their budget allows. You might also want to go with a starter set to begin with; and if you’re artistically inclined, you could even make your own O scale scenery.
One especially popular set for people who are new to O gauge trains is the Lionel O Gauge B&O Ready To Run Set. This is a set which includes a high quality metal die cast 4-4-0 steam locomotive with working headlamp and realistic looking smoke. Also included in the set is a gondola car, tender car, Lionel Lines and Sentinel boxcars and of course, a red caboose. There’s also enough FasTrack for a 40″ x 60″ oval, a short extension bridge, a PowerMax transformer which includes a reverse function and ten telephone poles, all for a price of less than 0.
If you are interested in becoming a model train hobbyist and want to start out with the O gauge train, there are many different websites where you can find an abundance of sets, individual cars and tracks, as well as a large assortment of scenery and buildings. It may be a good idea to check with your local hobby shops first, in order to see a variety of different offerings all in one location.
The staff at local shops are also an excellent source of information if you have any questions about model trains. These shops will also carry books on model railroad layouts, including plans and lists of the materials you’ll need to build them as well as a wealth of other information to get you off to a good start in your new hobby.