FAQ
What Model Trains are available in New Zealand?
There are many brands and scales available in New Zealand. We recommend and supply Accurascale for OO Gauge and Roco for TT gauge, offering a wide range of Locos, Carriages, Wagons, Track & Accessories, Control equipment, Landscaping materials and Detail for both these gauges.
What is the difference between Scale and Gauge?
Scale refers to the size of the model, compared to the real item. It is expressed as a ratio or measurement scale. For example OO scale is 1:76 This means that 1" on the model represents 76" in real life (or in metric 4mm to 1 meter)
Gauge is the distance between the inner edges of the two rails on the track. The gauge determines how much railway can fit in a chosen space.
There exist discrepancies in alignment between a gauge and the corresponding scale, because of historical and practical differences between early manufacturers.
What are the most common Model Railway Gauges & Scales?
HO gauge is most common globally, and is popular in Europe, USA & Canada.
OO gauge is popular in the UK. It was the gauge most common in New Zealand for many years due to import restrictions, and was sourced from the UK.
O gauge is less common, and is often used in Garden railways.
Common Model Railway Scales & Track Gauges:
N Gauge: Scale is 1:148 British and 1.160 for US & Europe. Track gauge is 9mm
TT Gauge: Scale is 1:120 Track gauge is 12mm (same standard worldwide)
HO Gauge: Scale is 1:87 Track gauge is 16.5mm
OO Gauge: Scale is 1.76 Track gauge is 16.5mm
O Gauge: Scale is 1.43.5 Track gauge is 32mm
Note that HO Gauge and OO Gauge (which is slightly larger), both use the same 16.5 mm track! It is not usual to run both HO and OO Gauge rolling stock on the same track, as the two sizes would be noticeable. However it is common to mix HO and OO Scale buildings, structures, vehicles etc, particularly if grouped together. Some modellers use a smaller scale building & trees at the rear of their layout to simulate distance. This is called forced perspective.
Which Gauge or scale should a beginner start with?
It depends on how much space you have, and what size looks good to you.
For very small spaces the tiny N gauge is popular.
TT (TableTop) referred to in Europe as the middle gauge, is increasingly popular with the modern space conscious modeller because it only requires 60% of the space of an OO gauge layout. The smaller size of TT allows you to pack more into a given space and to run longer more realistic Trains. The detailing of modern TT rolling stock equals the larger OO Gauge, plus TT is less fiddly to handle and fit to the track than N Gauge.
If you have a very large space, then HO/OO is another option. When using OO gauge it is advisable to use wide radius curves, otherwise the coach overhang will not look realistic.
To assist in your Gauge selection, the following suggested 2nd Radius of the track (from the centre of a circle of track to the outside) may help. Most manufacturers recommend using R2 (2nd Radius) as the minimum radius on high speed main lines for reliable operation of a model railway.
N Gauge 305mm
TT Gauge 365mm
OO Gauge 533mm
O Gauge 1220mm
How do I plan a model Railway?
There are many excellent Track Plan booklets available, or you may wish to draw your own plan, or investigate Free Model railway track planning Software such as Anyrail and Scarm. These programs allow you to enter your preferred baseboard size and then select Track components in your desired Gauge from a Library of many different track suppliers.
Useful planning Dimensions:
Minimum track centres: N 25mm, TT 44mm, HO/OO 50mm
Minimum radius curves: N 229mm, TT 321mm, HO/OO 457mm
Minimum overhead clearance: N 38mm, TT 50mm, HO/OO 76mm
Typical platform width: N 30mm, TT40mm, HO/OO 68mm
Typical coach length: N 140mm, TT 204mm, HO/OO 270mm
Should I use Set track or Flexi Track?
Many people start by buying a Train set which is supplied with an oval of Set track curves and straights. Most Set track is robust and often used where a train set is disassembled regularly. Once you have a base board and are ready to construct a permanent layout, you have the option of using further Set track or Flexi track. Flexi track has a more realistic appearance, particularly when modelling gentler flowing curves. It requires fewer joins, therefore fewer power feeds, and is cheaper than multiple pieces of set track!
When you bend flexi track the inside rail will be longer and will need to be cut off. Use Track cutters such as Xuron or a fine blade hacksaw (see our Track page) A little filing to remove any burs will ensure the rail joiners slip on securely.
What are Tracksetta templates?
Tracksetta templates are a usefull tool which fit inside the rails and can be slid around to ensure you are not exceeding the recommended minimum radius. They have slots in them, so you can press your track pins through the slots whilst the Tracksetta template holds the track at the correct radius. It saves time, makes your curves smoother and more professional looking and results in smooth running and less likelihood of derailments.
What is the difference between DC and DCC control?
The traditional method of controlling a model railway uses a variable 12V DC Analogue controller. The control box is usually fixed in place and has a Knob to increase voltage from 0 to 12 Volts to the track which alters the speed of the loco. This system can be more cost effective than DCC. However, at lower speeds loco lights will be dim, and to operate 2 or more Locos simultaneously, a separate controller is required for each Loco, and separate isolated sections of the track will be required, which can mean extensive wiring systems.
DCC control systems benefit from modern digital technology. Many manufacturers offer DCC systems & products, but the principle of the technology is the same to all; the track on the layout is permanenty live with a continuous 14.5 to 16V (depending on the manufacturer). Each Loco is independently controlled by an onboard electronic chip (decoder) receiving instructions via digital signals sent along the track from the hand control unit. Points and Signals can also be controlled by the same system if desired. Most systems have a large range of digital functions available to the operator, such as switching loco lights - including directional lighting, in-cab & engine room lights and sound, including horns & whistles.
The hand controllers are supplied with a cable, useful when you move to the other end of the layout. Deluxe systems are wireless (no cable) and some can be operated Via a smart phone or tablet.
Most locos sold today are either 12 V DC (DCC ready) or DCC & Sound fitted. It may be possible to fit DCC decoders to older Locos, it depends on the brand and the age. As a rule of thumb, Locos built from 2000 on may be suitable.
Is DCC control complicated?
No, most DCC systems are extremely easy to use. If you can use a smart phone, you can use a digital hand controller. Having experience with both an NCE Powercab and the Roco Z21 DCC units, I am happy to discuss the advantages and make recommendations to you.
Wiring with DCC is simple - on a small layout simply run 2 wires to the track! On larger layouts run two heavier Bus wires (Main power feed) under the baseboard, and fit dropper wires to Track Power clips or Fishplates above. We offer wire T connector clips ... so no soldering is necessary.
Explain Model railway terminology and jargon.
The same components are often called different names by various manufacturers.
Points (UK) = Turnouts (Europe) = Switches (US & Canada)
Fishplates (UK) = Rail joiners (Europe & USA)
Turnout/Point Motor = Solonoid or Drive
Bus wires = Main power feed wires
Where can I find Model Railway Resources ?
There is a huge amount of information online. For those who like Hard copy there are excellent Model Railway Magazines and books available free from most Libraries. Magazines include Railway Modeller, BRM (British Railway Modelling), and Continental Modeller. All have regular product reviews and "how to" articles.
Recent Model Railway reference books include "Developing a model Railway in TT:120 Scale" by David Ashwood - a Recent focus on this rapidly growing scale (Published 2025) "Modelling European Railways" (2016) and "Railway Modelling skills" (2015) by Peter Marriot. See also Books and Booklet guides by Peco Publications.