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CO
HOHO Scale (1:87)Intermediate
Modeling Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in HO Scale
Chesapeake & Ohio's Chessie mascot and massive articulated steam make it a modeling favorite. HO scale offers excellent C&O equipment.
Scale Ratio
1:87
16.5mm gauge
Space Needed
Moderate
Recommended Era
Steam Era
Key Equipment
5
Recommended items
Why Model C&O in HO Scale?
HO scale C&O modeling benefits from the railroad's popularity. The Chessie kitten logo and massive steam power like the Allegheny attract modelers. Broadway Limited produces superb C&O steam.
Recommended Equipment
Locomotive
Allegheny 2-6-6-6
Most powerful steam
Locomotive
H-8 2-6-6-6
Coal hauling power
Locomotive
K-4 2-8-4
Kanawha freight power
Passenger Car
George Washington
Famous train
Freight Car
Coal Hoppers
Core C&O traffic
Modeling Tips for C&O
1
C&O was primarily a coal railroad—unit trains are appropriate
2
The Allegheny 2-6-6-6 is a spectacular model for mountain operations
3
Chessie the cat makes a great layout theme
4
Heavy coal grades required pushers and helpers
5
Hopper fleets are essential for accurate C&O modeling
Shop C&O HO Scale
View AllSuggested Track Plans
All HO Plans4x8 ft
Classic 4x8 HO Oval
The quintessential starter layout. This timeless 4x8 HO oval is perfect for beginners and fits on a standard sheet of plywood. Features a passing siding and industrial spur for basic operations.
4x8 ft
4x8 HO Figure Eight
Add excitement to your 4x8 with this figure-eight design featuring an overpass crossing. Watch trains cross over and under each other on this engaging beginner layout.
4x8 ft
4x8 HO Twice Around
Double your running fun! This clever design loops the track twice around the layout, giving you double the mainline running on the same 4x8 footprint. Perfect for continuous running enthusiasts.