Photographs, text and html copyright 2000 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
All Gauge Model Railroading Page presents
O Gauge has gone through several eras. From electric tin toys to electric plastic & diecast toys to scale models, O is turning back toward plastic and diecast toys. The preference for scale, though loud, was not pervasive, forcing makers to introduce ( or re-introduce) non-scale and O27 cars.
Unlike HO, N, S, TT and Z, O gauge is not a singular scale. Within it are several scales whose common denominator is the use of one track gauge. O Gauge serves 1/32, 1/48, 1/43.5, 1/50, 1/55 and 1/64 scales. The sizes vary, because this gauge has always sought to accommodate the individual by providing maximum action in the least possible space. It is not fussy about scale precision. Rather, it cedes "scale" in favor of "fun."
Better running is not a matter of layout design or space, but of combining the right elements in the allotted space. To that end, three major scales are found in O: 1/48, Classic / Traditional (approximately 1/50 to 1/55), and 1/64 (which is what O27 is supposed to be). Larger, longer trains fare best on large pikes with long straightaways with wide curves, while small pikes with tight curves favor Classic and O27.
Tinscale is what we call the penchant for non-scale running. It derives from tinplate. Tinscale can blend several scales together, joined by one single track gauge. It is more a mood. and feeling than any exact science. To run Tinscale better, we have assembled these articles and photo galleries.
Tinscale - the classic way to run toy trains: how to have more fun with your trains.
O Gauge Tinscale Facts - solid information on the scales within O, plus fun facts and a few oddities
Pikes and Consists: sizing cars and locos for better running
The Never Trains - Trains that never were....but have a permanent status in O Gauge
Proposed Standards for O Gauge - for O Gaugers by O Gaugers.
Illustrated - O Gauge Car Sizes - finding the right size for best action
Illustrated - Passenger Car Sizes - comparing popular & classic passenger cars
Illustrated - Classic Diesels - size is not a matter of planning, but precedent
Illustrated - Common O Gauge Boxcars - How scale affects the action
Illustrated - Small Steam Locomotives: Super puffers for the smaller layout
Illustrated - Car Comparisons: Matching Passenger cars with Motive Power
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More articles and photographic galleries will be added in the future. this is an ongoing and expanding project