P.O. Box 1133, Bettendorf, IA 52722

(563) 209-7646

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday  

Noon til 5pm

Email: MidwestTrains@msn.com

 

  
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A GUIDE TO FINDING SCALE AND SIZE

Z scale: Trains built to a ratio of 1:220. A 75’ locomotive is 4 in. long. The rails of the track are 6.5 mm apart.

N scale works well for modelers who don't have a lot of space at their disposal (apartment dwellers, for example) or who prefer to run their trains through truly expansive scenery.
N scale: Trains built to a ratio of 1:160. A 75’ locomotive is 5 1/2 in. long. The rails of the track are spaced 9 mm apart. N scale works if you don’t have lots of space, in an apartment or if you enjoy lots of scenery.

HO scale railroading is about 90% of our store. HO scale: Trains built to a ratio of 1:87.  Half the size of O scale. A 75’ locomotive is 10 1/2 in. long. The rails of the track are 16.5 mm apart.

S scale: Trains built to a ratio of 1:64. A 75’ locomotive is 14 in. long. The rails of S gauge track are 7/8 inches apart.

O and O-27 gauge circles of track have diameters of 31 and 27 inches produced by Lionel in the 1940s and '50s. Many grew up, enjoying these trains .
O scale: Trains built to a ratio of 1:48. A 75’ locomotive is 18 3/4 in.long. The rails of O gauge track are 1 1/4 in. apart.

G scale: These trains are built to a ratio of 1:22.5. A 75’ locomotive is 40 in. long. G and other large scale trains run on gauge 1 track with rails 45 mm apart.

 
 
Z scale


Z scale was developed in by Märklin in the early 1970's, and is the smallest of all the working models -- so tiny that a little layout will even fit in a briefcase. Most Z trains and equipment are based on European railways.

 

 

N scale


This scale is an ideal choice for apartments or anyone with limited space. N-scale trains are easy to store when not in use and are ruggedly built for trouble-free operation. The small size is fine for teenagers and adults; younger children will need an adult to help to set up or take down a set.

 

 

HO Scale


"HO" means "half - o;" models are half the size of O Scale. HO is the most popular scale with the greatest selection of sets and accessories, as it allows lots of railroad action in a small area. Children may need adult help to set up or take down the set.

 

 

S scale

S Scale trains appeared in the 1950s (American Flyer was one of several popular brands) as houses grew smaller. Its chief advantage was size; larger than HO for more detail and improved reliability, but smaller than O Scale so less room was needed for a layout. Today, the selection of kits and assembled items is small, but this has made S Scale popular with modelers who enjoy the challenges of scratchbuilding and kitbashing.

 

 

O scale

(also On30, 027)
O Scale trains also include "On30" Sets, which are O Scale models that run on a narrower track -- just 30 scale inches wide. They're ideal for use with Christmas Villages. "O27" gauge sets will take tighter curves -- which makes these O Scale sets a good choice when space for bigger trains is limited. (The number 27 refers to the 27" diameter of a full circle of track.) If you grew up with Lionel trains, you'll remember that they were O Scale models. Ruggedly built, they're a good choice for youngsters or permanent layouts. Many sets feature animated accessories.

 

 

G scale

Big models, sometimes called "Large Scale" trains. Sizes range from 1/22.5 to 1/25 and also includes #1 gauge (1/32 Scale) equipment. The largest electrically powered models, starter sets set up in small areas. Some brands can be used outdoors, in garden layouts. The large size of G-scale trains allows for rugged handling by younger children. Many models have working parts that enhance play value.