HO started as Half-O scale, running on 16.5mm gauge track, the same as is used for British OO models. HO comes out to a scale of 1:87, often described as 3.5mm to 1foot, compared to British OO at 1:76 scale, or 4mm to 1ft. As European and American railways enjoyed a larger loading gauge than was available in Britain, so often the models are only slightly smaller than OO trains, but the difference is noticable if similar locomotives, like the EMD class 66 generation, are compared. European models will normally fit within the clearances used for British OO layouts, however the largest American locomotives and rolling stock may need additional clearance.

We can order models from the Bachmann and Hornby International ranges, including prototypes from Europe, America (USA/Canada/Mexico) and China. These ranges incorportae many well known brands, including Arnold, Rivarossi, Liliput, Joeff and Electrotren.
Currently available Bachmann ranges can be checked on the Bachmann UK website, The Hornby International ranges can be viewed at Hornby International.com. Please contact us with your requirements.

We also have a range of Irish locomotive models from Murphy Models which are listed with the British OO locomotives.