Trains 101

What Is Gauge?

On the real railroads as well as toy trains, Gauge refers to the distance between the outside rails of the track. Lionel offers four distinct product lines: Ready-to-Play, S-Gauge, O-Gauge and HO-Gauge.

Ready-to-Play:

Lionel’s Ready-to-Play sets are battery powered sets and are approximately 1:24 scale. Lionel Ready-to-Play track, which is wider than O-Gauge track, supports Ready-to-Play cars and locomotives. These sets are highly detailed and perfect for children 8 and up. These sets run with a simple remote control that allows the train to go forward or backward as well as enable whistle and bell sounds. Ready-to-Play sets usually retail around $99.95 to $119.95 and make a great starter set or gift for any family.

Please note: As this track system is exclusive to Ready-to-Play sets, it is not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or other G Gauge track systems.

O-Gauge:

Lionel O-Gauge track systems- which include O, O-27, and FasTrack® - all measure 1-¼” between the outer rails. Any O-Gauge car or locomotive can ride on Lionel O-Gauge track, as long as the curve track used on your layout can accommodate your particular cars. Lionel O-Gauge sets are electric sets that are approximately 1:48 scale and are what most people envision when the think about Lionel. O-Gauge is divided into two categories: Traditional O-Gauge and O Scale.

Traditional O-Gauge

  • Based on classic Lionel designs
  • Approximate scale proportions
  • Easy to control lights, sounds, and smoke
  • Very accessible products to customers
  • Lionel’s popular Ready-to-Run sets are Traditional O-Gauge, and contain everything a customer needs to run their train in minutes – train set, oval of track, and, transformer.
  • Lionel launched a new remote system for engines in 2012 under the LionChief™ umbrella. These are new sets with enhanced sound, long distance controls, AC/DC Compatible and are easy to set-up and operate
  • To allow customers to continue to add product, Lionel sells specialty track products, rolling stock, and a wide range of operating and non-operating accessories

O Scale

  • Higher-end products
  • Contain more details with many separately applied parts
  • Engines have sophisticated electronics such as the Lionel LEGACY™ Control System and Lionel RailSounds®
  • Larger than Traditional O-gauge products since they are more true to 1:48 scale proportions
  • Geared towards collectors and sophisticated hobbyists
S-Gauge:

Lionel S-Gauge sets and locomotives are approximately 1:64 scale and are sold under the name American Flyer®. Lionel S-Gauge track (AF FasTrack®) is narrower than O, has two rails and supports American Flyer and other S-Gauge cars. Lionel recommends S-Gauge for train hobbyist and collectors who prefer a scale smaller than our Traditional O-Gauge or O Scale line.

Traditional S-Gauge

  • Based on classic American Flyer® designs
  • Approximate scale proportions
  • Easy to control lights, sounds, and smoke
  • Very accessible products to customers
  • Ready-to-Run sets are Traditional S-Gauge, and contain everything a customer needs to run their train in minutes – train set, oval of track, and, power supply.
  • Lionel launched a new remote system for engines in 2015 under the FlyerChief™ umbrella. These are new sets with enhanced sound, long distance controls, AC/DC Compatible and are easy to set-up and operate
  • To allow customers to continue to add product, Lionel sells specialty track products, rolling stock.

S Scale:

  • Higher-end products
  • Larger than Traditional S-Gauge products since they are more true to 1:64 scale proportions
  • Contains more detail with separately applied parts
  • Engines have sophisticated electronics such as the Lionel LEGACY™ Control System , Lionel RailSounds® , and Digital Command Control (DCC)
  • Geared towards collectors and sophisticated hobbyists
  • Optional Kadee coupler mounting pads
HO-Gauge:

HO gauge, also known as "Half-O" scale, is one of the most beloved and widely-used scales in the world of model railroading. At a 1:87 ratio to real-life trains, HO gauge is large enough to showcase intricate details, yet compact enough to create expansive layouts without requiring a lot of space. Lionel HO FasTrack® is Code 83, can be joined to other HO track brands with rail joiners and works with all manufacturers HO trains and magnetic couplers. This scale strikes the perfect balance for hobbyists who want realistic trains and scenery, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned modelers alike.

With an extensive range of models, accessories, and track options, HO gauge is an incredibly versatile scale.

  • Realistic Detail: HO scale’s size allows for highly detailed models and scenery that capture the charm of real trains and landscapes.
  • Space-Friendly: It fits comfortably in most spaces, from small home layouts to large club displays, offering flexibility for layout design.
  • Vast Selection: As one of the most popular scales, HO gauge boasts the largest selection of locomotives, cars, buildings, and scenery accessories.
  • Interchangeability: Many manufacturers produce HO gauge products, and most components are compatible, allowing for customization and easy expansion of layouts.