Welcome to the World's Best Hobby!  Model railroading is a fun and exciting hobby for children and adults alike.  Enjoyed by people all around the world, model railroading comes in as many styles as there are cultures enjoying it.  So, make some space in your schedule (as well as some in your home), and enjoy!

Here is a quick run-down of the most popular railroading types (starting from smallest to largest):

N-Scale: Also known as N-gauge, this is one of the smallest types of model railroading available.  N model trains get their name from the gauge of it's track: Nine millimeters.  1:160 scale in size, N trains are also called "2mm to the foot".  Modern N-Scale trains started in the 1960's and is the second most popular type of model railroading (second to HO trains).  Best Feature: with N-Scale trains you are able to fit more in a smaller space without sacrificing detail or quality.

HO Scale: HO trains are the most popular type of model trains.  HO trains get their name from the fact that they are half the size of O scale trains (half-O = HO).  1:87 scale in size, HO trains are run on a realistic-looking 2 rail track system.  HO model train popularity took off in the 1950's when the emphasis of these trains moved from "toys" to "models".  Best Feature: If they make it - they make it in HO.  Since HO is the most popular type of trains, more people make items for HO. Since they make for items for HO...more people buy HO.

O-Scale: O trains have been around since the early 1900's, and remain the train of choice for those people that enjoy running trains more then they enjoy the hobby aspects of the other scales of trains (scenery, realism etc). 1:48 in scale, O trains run on a 3-rail system which is a drawback if you are looking for a super-realistic look.  Up until the 1960's O trains were the most popular type of trains and still remain popular with collectors, families with younger children and for under Christmas trees.  Best Feature: FUN! Due to their larger size, O-Scale trains are chock full of bells, whistles, and other sound effects.