Miniature trains are often referred to as model trains or collectible train toys. They can come as already made and completely manufactured models, or as a model train kit that has to be put together by hand. Miniature trains are a common item for collectors, and can cost up to thousands of dollars for a single model. The way that miniature trains are measured and classified is though a type of gauge system. Here is just a basic overview of what that system entails.

1:22.5 or The G Scale of Miniature Trains

The first in the scale of these small collectable locomotives are those of the G scale. The G scale is a ratio of 1:22.5, and is the largest of the train models that are currently in production. They are often used for outdoor garden railroads due to their large size.

1:48 of The O Scale of Miniature Trains

Another type of collectible toy trains is the O scale of antique model trains. The O scale is a ratio of 1:48, and can come in both 2 and 3 rail styles. The 027 style of train model is a type of O scale train, but the trains in this style usually have more of a toy like appearance than most other train models.

1:64 or The S Scale of Miniature Trains

The S scale of train models, which is at a ratio of 1:64, is often considered the least popular of all the gauged styles for train models. However, those who do buy these trains love them, and consider them the ideal medium size of train models.

1:87 or The HO Scale of Miniature Trains

The HO scale is in the smallest group of gauges. It is often considered the most popular of the smaller styles because the size it entails is very flexible.

1:160 or the N Scale of Miniature Trains

Another of the smaller of the gauged scales for miniature trains is the N scale. The N scale is at a ratio of 1:160, and was not initially popular when model train collecting first started gaining popularity. However, because the N scale trains are small enough to fit in almost any room type, the N scale has been gaining popularity with model train collectors.

1:220 or the Z Scale of Miniature Trains

The smallest of the gauge for model trains, with a ratio of 1:220, is the Z scale. The models in this scale can generally fit into a briefcase.