The 00 model train scale is also known as the OO gauge and it’s the most popular standard gauge model railway track in the UK. The gauge is 16.5mm and has a scale of 1:76. This scale was first created by Bing in 1921. At that time I t was called the “the table railways” and ran on a 16.5mm track, with a scale of 4mm for one foot.
The next year in 1922, the first model locomotives were created but they were powered by clockwork. It was not until 1923 that the first electric powered locomotive was created.
The 00 gauge trains use the same track gauge as the very popular HO scale. This is the scale most popular in modern times, and especially in America. The HO scale is half of the 00 scale. In 1932 the Bing Company went bust but the table railway survived as it was continued by a company called Trix. Later in 1938, the Meccano Company created their new range of 00 scale model trains under the name of Hornby Dublo. Since this time, the 00 gauge has been the most popular in the UK.
The 00 gauge was tried out in the USA but it did not prove to be very popular. The company that tired to introduce the 00 scale was called Lionel Corporation. There were also other companies that tired to launch this scale but the trains only stayed on the market until 1942. This was because the HO scale was so much more popular in America.
The 00 scale trains are not exact prototypes as the differences in scale are noticeable on the track. It means that much bigger clearances are needed on pointwork. The scale really represents the narrow gauge railways built to 4 feet gauge. Some examples are Padman Railway, Saundersfoot Railway in Wales and the Glasgow Subway in Scotland.
Although it is possible to run 00 scale trains and HO scales trains on the same track they don’t sit well together. The reason for this is that the British models are much larger that the European or American ones. In fact, the opposite would really be the case.
Even with the inaccuracies, the 00 gauge is still the most popular in the UK. This is because of a number of factors. Firstly the rich history is a key point. Next there is far more standard tack and locamotives available for people in the 00 gauge. There are also many starter kits available for people who want to get started with the hobby.
The market in the UK is also dominated by Hornby Railways and Bachmann Branchline. These things mean that the 00 gauge will continue to be the most popular in the UK for some time to come. There are certainly other gauges that can be used and they are available, but the lack of ready to run track section and locomotives, make these choices less favorable.
The 00 gauge can achieve some great designs even with the small inaccuracies and is worth pursuing.
Philip Redfearn is an avid model train enthusiast. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com