Wonderful Facts and Differences of Model Trains Scale Many happy childhood memories revolve around model trains. These toys are often given as birthday and Christmas gifts. The hours a child spends watching their choo-choo roll down the track are pure bliss. Plastic locomotives, sometimes with cartoon faces, are often a child's first toy. As the child grows, they will develop an interest in more elaborate and realistic designs with stronger metal locomotives. A passing interest can sometimes turn into an obsession for life. Adults associate their first model train with quality time with their parents, which is why they remember it so fondly. Collecting and operating model trains , like going to a baseball game or fishing, is a great way to bond with your family. Model railroading is traditionally a father and son job, but girls have fun too. A mistake made by manufacturers in the 1950s was to develop a range of models in pastel colors. The product was a flop because both girls and boys prefer their lines to be realistic. On Christmas Eve, Dad could spend hours on the living room floor arranging the tracks so his son could have fun spinning and driving model trains the next morning. Using this opportunity for a group activity is an even better option. Assembling the track is a great way for parents to teach their kids problemsolving skills. Model Trains Scale The following scales are listed from highest to lowest. There are other scales, but these are by far the most popular choice among model train enthusiasts. G scale Their large size makes them best suited for outdoor gardens, hence the nickname "garden train". They started in Germany and are 1:22.5 the actual size of a train. Their size makes them resilient to rough use; they derail less often and are easier to manage. The disadvantages are: They require more outdoor care if you live in wetter climates. They don't offer many operational accessories like; automatic gates, remote-controlled bridges, etc. O scale Like the G scale, the O scale is popular due to its larger but slightly smaller 1:48 scale size, making it easier to work with and use, especially for those with smaller hands, taller or frailer. This scale is also a great option for kids. Another thing to consider is the higher cost of the O-Scale train and its accessories. Lionel is famous for popularizing the O scale and has been for decades, so there are plenty of accessories. S Scale This scale size is in the middle at 1:64. It only takes up 10% more space than an HO scale and is becoming increasingly popular. The detailing on the trains is good and there is a wide range of reasonably priced accessories.