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Track H0: Tracks, locomotives and model railway accessories in miniature format
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The most important thing to buy H0 model railways
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The history of track H0
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What was the H0 track?
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What H0 types are there?
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What was to be observed when buying a H0 track?
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What manufacturers and brands are there?
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Conclusion: This is how you create the perfect H0 model railway
The most important thing to buy H0 model railways
- H0 is a nominal size from the model construction industry. H0 models and tracks are modeled on their models from reality in a scale of 1:87.
- All H0 tracks have a scale of 1:87. Nevertheless, there are small differences in track width. In addition to the normal track H0, there are the meter track H0m (12 mm) and the narrow track H0e (9 mm).
- H0 is the most popular scale of length in the model construction industry. Thus there are also a lot of different locomotives, trains, landscape buildings, building models and other items in THE CONRAD Online Shop. When purchasing, take into account that some models are supplied as a kit and must be assembled themselves.
What was the H0 track?
H0 is a standard size from model construction. In addition to H0, there are other nominal sizes in the model construction industry, for example 1, 2, 0, TT, N or, FOR EXAMPLE, each nominal size refers to a certain scale in which objects from reality are depicted as models. For example, for the standard size H0, the scale is 1:87. The exact scale and dimensions of the nominal sizes are defined in the NEM (European Model Railway Standards).
The history of track H0
The first model railways go to the beginning of the 20th century. Century back. At that time, model railways and tracks were mainly mapped in the scale 1:45. They were thus much larger than the now well-known table railways. However, the desire for smaller model railways that fit better into small apartments was omnipresent. Therefore, before the Second World War, there were first smaller model kits. After the war, the new nominal size H0 then replaced the previously market-dominating length scale 0. Today, H0 is by far the most widely used standard size in Germany. It has a market share of 70 percent.
What H0 types are there?
H0 maps its role models from reality to scale in a ratio of 1:87. However, it is important to distinguish different sub-categories, because not every model railway track is the same width. Instead, a distinction is made between the categories Normal, Meter and Narrow. The tracks vary in width and are therefore also suitable for different vehicles and wagons. For example, a meter track is actually one meter wide. In the ratio 1:87, this means that a meter track in model construction occupies 12mm in width. It is suitable, among other things, for miniature editions of passenger cars, luggage wagons or open goods wagons.
All H0 types, their features and areas of application at a glance:
| Alignment | wheel track | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| H0 / normal track | 16.5 mm | For example Trains, locomotives, luggage railcars |
| H0m / meter track | 12.0 mm | For example Passenger wagon, packing wagon, open goods wagon |
| H0e / narrow gauge | 9.0 mm | For example Passenger cars, narrow-gauge railways, ballast wagon |
Practical advice
The names H0, H0m and H0e are very similar and you can quickly see the small letters at the end of the term when you buy them. Therefore, make sure that the trains, locomotives and wagons match the available track sizes. Otherwise, it can happen quickly that you buy from provided a gauge that is too wide or too narrow.
What was to be observed when buying a H0 track?
If you already have a model railway and only want to buy a few accessories, you should pay attention to the distinction between normal track, meter track and narrow track. Check whether the desired trains, wagons or tracks match the existing versions. In addition, there are other factors to consider when purchasing:
Track H0 vehicles
In the H0 vehicles, trains and locomotives are first distinguished. The old steam locomotives are particularly stylish and popular and may not be missing in any model railways. In addition to the old-fashioned locomotives, there are also modern trains and ICES in miniature format. Simply browse through the large range of products and find a train or a locomotive of your ideas. You can also attach one or more wagons to the vehicle. In our CONRAD Online Shop you will find passenger cars, luggage compartments, gravel wagons and many other wagons. Check whether wagons, trains and locomotives fit the existing track widths.
In addition to H0 vehicles, there are other H0 vehicles, such as fire trucks, tractors, cars, trucks, buses and much more. Since these vehicles do not require a track, you do not need to pay attention to the markings H0, H0e and H0m. Just make sure that it is a H0 model, so that it fits in the size ratio of the rest of your model railways.
Building models and other accessories articles
A model railway is only really beautiful when it is inserted in a great, creative ambience. You can find the matching accessories in the ratio 1:87 at CONRAD. Discover in our product range different buildings, miniature figures, light signals, landscape buildings, fences and other articles, which make your model world lively and realistic.
Kits / finished models
Some model vehicles are supplied as kits. Here you still have to put the items together yourself. Passionate hobbyists come at their own expense with a kit. Please note that you may need special model construction accessories if you wish to assemble the individual parts yourself. If you are not so skilled in the arts and crafts, you can also discover vehicles and other models that have already been assembled in THE CONRAD Online Shop. Thanks to the convenient filter options in the shop, you can easily select these items.
Type
If you want to buy a H0 locomotive, you should also consider the design. Depending on your favor, you can choose between the following types:
- Steam locomotive
- Diesel locomotive
- Electric locomotive
- Powered wagon
Power system
Note which power system is used to drive the H0 vehicles. In general, the product descriptions contain the names AC and DC. AC stands for "alternating current" and refers to alternating current. However, there are also DC models that are marked with the abbreviation DC for "direct current".
What manufacturers and brands are there?
- Fleischmann
- Liliput
- Mehano
- Märklin
- PIKO
- Roco
- Trix
- and many more
Conclusion: This is how you create the perfect H0 model railway
Track H0 model railways are the renner of model railways in Germany. They represent real objects in a scale of 1:87. So you are relatively small and are great as a table railway. In addition to H0, there are other nominal sizes in the model construction industry that represent smaller or larger standards. Nevertheless, for many years, the H0 Spur has been the undisputed market leader. 70 percent of all model components sold are manufactured on a scale of 1:87.
In THE CONRAD Online Shop you can assemble your complete H0 model railway. You will discover in the online shop many different vehicles, locomotives, building models, tracks, light signals, landscape buildings, miniature figures and much more. With the matching accessories you can compose a great, creative and realistic model railway. When purchasing the individual parts, make sure that the articles are manufactured in the nominal size H0 and thus fit in the scale of the rest of your model railway. Also note that some trains and wagons with the names H0e and H0m have special track widths.
Hobbyists and skilled craftsmen like kits in which the models are delivered in individual parts. If you want to assemble a kit, you may need special model construction tools. You can also find this in THE CONRAD Online Shop. If you are not so fond of making, make sure that the model is already assembled.