Scales & Gauges

OO Scale

The dominant British model railway scale at 1:76 proportion, running on 16.5mm gauge track.

Full Definition

OO scale is the standard scale for British model railways, representing 1/76th of the prototype but running on 16.5mm gauge track (shared with HO). This creates a slight overscale appearance for the track gauge. OO scale dominates the UK market like HO dominates North America. Hornby is the leading OO manufacturer, though Bachmann, Dapol, and others also produce OO equipment. The scale accurately captures British prototype characteristics and supports a thriving cottage industry.

Examples

•OO scale and HO scale track are compatible, though proportions differ slightly

Tips & Best Practices

OO scale equipment is widely available in the UK but harder to find in North America

Related Terms

HO Scale

The most popular model railroad scale at 1:87 proportion, running on 16.5mm gauge track.

Scale

The proportion ratio between a model and its real-world prototype.

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