O scale (or O gauge) is a scale originally introduced by the German manufacturer Märklin around 1900.  By the 1930s three-rail alternating current ~ AC O gauge was the most common model railroad scale in the United States and remained so until the early 1960s. In Europe, its popularity declined before World War II due to the introduction of smaller scales.

It’s strongest period was when model railways were considered toys, with emphasis placed on cost, durability, and use by children. Detail and realism were secondary concerns at best.

Remaining a popular choice for collectors, and with a number of changes in recent years, having addressed concerns of scale modellers, making O scale more popular.

O gauge is identified in the UK as a scale of 1:43.5 (7mm to the foot) and a track gauge of 32mm. Other specifications exist around the world.

Gaugemaster offer a number of controllers specifically for O gauge both cased and panel mounted . These feature an output voltage of 14v  — — — DC with a 2.5 amp capability. However, for many modern O gauge applications a standard unit such as the model 100M (12v  — — — DC, 1 amp) will be more suited. The power supplies and other modules are often also suitable for O gauge.

To accompany the controller range Gaugemaster offer a vast range of switches and electricals for most concievable situations including general wiring, point switching and lighting.

Many of our scenic products are suitable for O gauge from trees and shrubs to grass mats and scatters.

If you need further advice with any of these products please contact us using the form.

Number 1 for O gauge trackage is the British company Peco. Their ‘Streamline track’ is finely detailed and scaled and available in both ‘flat bottom’ rail and ‘bullhead’ rail. ‘Individulay’ rails are offered in varying sizes for bespoke track-laying situations.

‘7mm Wonderful Wagon’ kits are offered in number of guises with all parts coloured and detailed, with no painting required. Fine scale metal tyred, spoked wheels and pin-point bearings provide excellent running. The buffers are sprung and 3-link couplings are included. The BR wagons feature working axlebox springs, 3-hole disc wheels and movable brake levers.

Flexible field fencing, field gates, tunnel portals, figures and various platform accessories such as milk churns, a platform trolley and a ticket machine make up the Peco ‘Lineside & Scenic’ selection.

Corgi purchased the Bassett Lowke brand name in 1996 and re-launched the railway locomotive products from 1999 at the time the original company would have been 100 years old.

Bassett Lowke produce a range of gauge O locomotives that are individually made from sheet metal using soldered constrution and reflect those made in a bygone era. They produce a limited number of each livery style and move onto the next item in the schedule. Those involved in the production of Bassett Lowke have a passion and knowledge of trains and their aim is to produce a good value and quality product. These products are made with wheel standards that will allow reliable running on most comercially available O gauge track systems. The recommended smallest radius being 36".

Parkside Dundas produce quality wagon kits and accessories. The bodies and chassis are moulded in high impact polystyrene, they have metal tyred wheels with brass bearing cups, sprung three link couplings, sprung buffers and transfers for the appropriate livery periods.

Their picket type station fencing is also a worthy addition to your layout.

These highly detailed class 35 ‘Hymek’locomotives in BR green and early blue liveries are the first O gauge releases from Heljan. They have rotating roof fans, detailed interiors, two powerful 5-pole motors, NEM coupling pockets, screw couplings, 4-character lighted headcodes and directional lights. They are heavy-weight (2.5 kilo) models.

Springside offer loco, coach and wagon detailing accessories such as axle guards, vents, brake standards, head and tail lamps, brake shoes, tools and fire irons, chimneys, steam pipes, vacuum pipes and a many other parts.

Hand painted figures for the railway and many other general layout detailing accessories complete their range.

Preiser manufacture figures in many scales and their quality and detail speaks for itself, see the Preiser page for more details. The O gauge selection includes not only the railway related figures such as passengers and station workers from different eras, but also figures for many more situations from farm animals to truckers and hitch hikers. Unpainted figures can be found in larger packs and some layout accessories are also avalable such as pallets and barrels.

The O scale items available from ‘Ratio plastic models’ are few but still worth consideration. A GWR home or distant signal, long ladders, telegraph poles, SR concrete fencing and windows and door frames. These products are nicely detailed and a worthwhile addition to many layouts.

The Cooper Craft O scale range covers the most common small wagons in use from 1900 until the end of steam. Brass 3 link couplings and steel ballast weights are included.Cooper Craft produce a selection of O scale wagon kits, station nameboards and a station bench/ seat.

For over 20 years, whenever there has been a need to brighten up a corner of a station building or to really give a layout that final lifelike touch, modellers have turned to TINY SIGNS. These intriguing little accessories, so easy on the pocket, yet so effective in application, add instant atmosphere to any model scene. It is small wonder that people often remark that ‘a layout without TINY SIGNS isn’t quite finished’.
The O scale seleection incudes ‘Enamel Advertising Signs’, ‘Trackside notices’, ‘Carriage Prints’, ‘Travel Posters’, ‘Poster Boards’ and ‘Station Signs’