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The world's most popular model railroad scale with the largest product selection.
16.5mm
Track Gauge
18"
Min Radius
$300+
Starter Cost
65%
Market Share
HO scale is the undisputed king of model railroading, commanding roughly 65% of the market. The 1:87 ratio provides an ideal balance of size, detail, and space requirements. With the largest selection of locomotives, rolling stock, structures, and accessories of any scale, HO offers virtually unlimited modeling possibilities.
HO scale originated in the UK in the 1930s as 'Half O' scale (hence HO). It became dominant in North America after World War II when manufacturers like Athearn, Atlas, and Bachmann made quality models affordable. Today it remains the most widely supported scale worldwide.
10 track plans available for HO scale
The perfect starting point for new model railroaders. This time-tested 4x8 layout fits on a standard sheet of plywood and provides everything you need to learn the basics of model railroading. Features a simple oval with a passing siding, allowing you to run two trains and practice switching operations.
$250 - $500
Design freedom meets operational interest in this freelanced shortline layout. Not based on any specific prototype, this design allows you to run whatever equipment you love while still providing realistic switching operations. Perfect for modelers who want variety over prototype accuracy.
$300 - $600
A charming New England short line railroad serving small industries and a quaint village. This layout captures the essence of New England railroading with covered bridges, white steepled churches, and fall foliage scenery. Designed for realistic switching operations in a compact space.
$350 - $700
A prototypically-inspired coal hauling branch line based on operations in West Virginia and Kentucky. This switching-focused layout emphasizes operations over continuous running, with multiple coal mines, a tipple, and staging representing the main line connection. Perfect for those who enjoy realistic train operations.
$600 - $1,200
Celebrate Americas heartland with this grain-focused layout featuring towering elevators and unit train operations. The design allows for realistic grain train cycling with staging representing distant origins and destinations. Includes a small town with classic Midwest architecture.
$700 - $1,400
Step into the rugged world of Pacific Northwest logging railroads. This layout features steep grades, tight curves, and dramatic scenery typical of lumber operations in Oregon and Washington. Includes a working log dump, sawmill, and logging camp.
$500 - $950
Shop locomotives, track, and accessories
NCE PowerCab DCC Starter System
$219.99
Woodland Scenics Learning Kit
$49.99
Woodland Scenics Static Grass Starter Kit
$89.99
Xuron Rail Nippers
$21.99
Woodland Scenics Plaster Cloth Roll
$12.99
Woodland Scenics Just Plug LED Building Lights
$19.99
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Airbrush
$149.99
Bragdon Weathering Set
$29.99
Our AI assistant can help you design the perfect HO scale layout for your space and budget. Get personalized recommendations in minutes.
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