H0 AC / Centre-Contact
Typical features include stud contacts between the running rails and a pickup shoe beneath the locomotive. Märklin C Track and K Track are important systems.
The largest selection for traditional home layouts
H0 Gauge Model Railway: AC, DC, Track & Digital Control
H0 combines a scale of 1:87 with a standard model track gauge of 16.5 millimetres. Locomotives, rolling stock, starter sets, track, digital command stations, buildings, figures and scenery accessories are available in an exceptionally wide range for both centre-contact and two-rail layouts.
Scale 1:87
Track gauge 16.5 mm
Over 100 shop links
The balanced model railway scale
Why is H0 gauge so popular?
A full-size passenger coach measuring 26.4 metres is approximately 30 centimetres long in H0. Vehicles remain large enough for legible lettering, interiors, sound, lighting and fine separately fitted details, while requiring considerably less space than 0 or G gauge.
Almost every railway theme can be represented: a steam locomotive depot, branch line, ICE route, metropolitan station, Alpine railway, marshalling yard, industrial siding or heritage railway.
In addition to standard gauge, H0 offers several narrow-gauge variants. Buildings, road vehicles, figures and scenery materials can be combined across the different systems at a scale of 1:87.
Fundamental decision
Choose centre-contact or two-rail before purchasing locomotives
The electrical system affects locomotives, track, wheelsets, pickup shoes and digital control. Coaches and wagons can usually be adapted more easily than locomotives.
Understanding centre-contact and two-rail operation
What do H0 AC and H0 DC mean?
H0 DC / Two-Rail
The two running rails provide separate electrical poles. PIKO, Roco, Trix, Tillig and many other brands offer suitable vehicles and track systems.
Digital is not an electrical system
DCC and mfx describe command transmission. Depending on their design, digital vehicles may be built for either centre-contact or two-rail operation.
| Feature | H0 Centre-Contact | H0 Two-Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Current collection | Pickup shoe and both running rails | Separate poles through the left and right running rails |
| Typical track | Märklin C Track and K Track | Roco Line, PIKO A Track, Trix C Track and Tillig Elite |
| Reversing loop | Usually simpler electrically | Requires insulated sections and a reversing-loop module |
| Digital formats | mfx, Motorola and DCC | Primarily DCC, with some mfx-capable decoders |
Curve radius, train length and accessibility
Plan an H0 model railway layout correctly
Select the system
Choose centre-contact or two-rail and analogue or digital control.
Define the curve radii
358 to 360 mm is compact; long coaches require wider curves.
Test the train length
Size platforms and storage sidings for the longest train formation.
Ensure access
Keep tunnels, turnouts and the hidden yard accessible.
| Planning area | Recommendation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Curves | Check the minimum radius of every vehicle | Express coaches and steam locomotives operate more reliably. |
| Gradient | Keep it gentle and use rounded transitions | Long trains retain their tractive effort and coupling reliability. |
| Platform | Position the longest planned train | Trains fit completely alongside the platform. |
| Power feeds | Provide several electrical feeds | Voltage remains even along long sections of track. |
Reduce prototype dimensions to 1:87
Calculate dimensions for H0 gauge
A prototype section measuring 87 metres requires exactly one metre in H0. The calculator also shows the corresponding space requirements in TT, N and Z.
H0 Scale Calculator
Enter the prototype length in metres.
H0 · 1:87
30.3 cm
TT · 1:120
22.0 cm
N · 1:160
16.5 cm
Z · 1:220
12.0 cm
Standard gauge, narrow gauge and field railways
Which H0 gauge variants are available?
| Designation | Model track gauge | Typical prototype |
|---|---|---|
| H0 | 16.5 mm | European standard gauge |
| H0m | 12 mm | Metre-gauge railways and the Rhaetian Railway |
| H0e | 9 mm | 750, 760 and 800 mm narrow gauge |
| H0f / H0i | 6.5 mm | Field, mining and industrial railways |
| H0n3 | 10.5 mm | North American three-foot narrow gauge |
Roadbed track, flexible track and fine geometry
Compare H0 track systems
| Track system | Electrical system | Particular strength |
|---|---|---|
| Märklin C Track | Centre-contact | Robust clip connection and integrated roadbed |
| Märklin K Track | Centre-contact | Flexible scenery construction and flexible track |
| Roco Line | Two-rail | Extensive geometry with or without roadbed |
| PIKO A Track | Two-rail | Beginner-friendly with optional roadbed |
| Trix C Track | Two-rail | Stable roadbed and modular expansion |
| Tillig Elite | Two-rail | Fine rail profiles and prototypical turnouts |
Access the complete H0 range directly
Product categories for vehicles, track and layout construction
H0 Starter Sets
Complete analogue and digital packages
Digital H0 Starter Sets
mfx, DCC, Wi-Fi and handheld controllers
Analogue H0 Starter Sets
Conventional controller operation
H0 Steam Locomotives
DRG, DB, DR and international railways
H0 Diesel Locomotives
Shunting, branch-line and main-line locomotives
H0 Electric Locomotives
TEE, Taurus, Vectron and Traxx
H0 Railcars
Regional trains, ICE and diesel multiple units
H0 Passenger Coaches
Regional, long-distance and heritage traffic
H0 Freight Wagons
Container, tank and open wagons
H0 Track
Centre-contact and two-rail systems
H0 Turnouts
Standard, curved and slim turnouts
H0 Crossings
Standard and double-slip crossings
H0 Track Sets
Extensions and complete layout plans
Track Accessories
Rail joiners, drives and connections
Track Planning
Planning books and templates
H0 Signals
Semaphore, colour-light and shunting signals
H0 Overhead Line
Masts, contact wire and accessories
H0 Lights
Platforms, streets and buildings
H0 Locomotive Decoders
PluX22, 21MTC and NEM 652
H0 Sound Decoders
Sound projects and loudspeakers
Digital Command Stations
CS3, Z21, ECoS and SmartControl
Digital Modules
Switching, feedback and boosting
H0 Residential Buildings
Towns, villages and housing estates
H0 Railway Staff
Drivers, passengers and shunters
H0 Occupations
Workers and everyday scenes
H0 Deciduous Trees
Woodland, avenues and gardens
H0 Conifers
Spruce, fir and pine trees
Special Offers
Locomotives, rolling stock and accessories
Complete systems and specialist manufacturers
Important manufacturers for H0 gauge
Trix
C Track, vehicles and Mobile Station.
Fine DetailingBRAWA
Locomotives, rolling stock and lighting.
Track and VehiclesTILLIG
Elite track and specialist H0 models.
Branch Lines and Narrow GaugeLiliput
H0 and H0e vehicles.
International TrainsACME
Finely detailed passenger coaches and locomotives.
Buildings and TechnologyFaller
Stations, towns and the Car System.
Scenery ConstructionNOCH
Terrain, trees and preformed layouts.
Signals and CatenaryViessmann
Digital technology and animated scenes.
Selected current products with images
H0 starter sets, vehicles, track and digital technology
Start with a complete, coordinated system
Digital and analogue starter solutions
Two Trains
PIKO 59014 SmartControl WLAN
Two trains and wireless digital control.
View product
Regional Train
PIKO 59102 Double-Deck Train
Class 146, double-deck coaches and a Wi-Fi system.
View product
Z21 newGen
Roco 5110015 Class 132
DR passenger train with Z21 and multiMAUS.
View product
Sound
Trix 21505 Class 380
ČD passenger train with a digital decoder and sound.
View product
Centre-Contact
Märklin 29124 Christmas Train
Festive introduction to the Märklin system.
View product
DB Era IV
PIKO 59018 Class 220
Silberling train with Wi-Fi digital control.
View product
Digital Base
Trix 21000 Mobile Station
Digital control with a Trix C Track oval.
View product
Steam, diesel, electric and modern multiple units
Selected H0 vehicles
Steam Locomotive
Trix 25019 Sachsenstolz
DR express locomotive with sound and smoke.
View product
Diesel Locomotive
PIKO 52155 Class 232
Bahnbau Ludmilla locomotive for modern engineering trains.
View product
Taurus Sound
Roco 7510062 ÖBB Taurus
Special livery with digital sound.
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Multiple Unit
PIKO 59517 Talent 2
Three-part Era VI regional multiple unit.
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Coach Set
Märklin 42514 Express Coaches
Four DR coaches for the Sachsenstolz locomotive.
View product
Container Wagon
Märklin 44832 Moneytalks
Printed container wagon produced as a collector model.
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Track construction, control and decoder diagnostics
Track and digital technology
PIKO A Track
PIKO 55411 Curve R1
Roadbed track for compact two-rail layouts.
View product
Märklin C Track
Märklin 24188 Straight Track
Robust centre-contact track with a clip connection.
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Programmer
ESU 53451 LokProgrammer
Edit decoders, sound and function mapping.
View product
Diagnostics
Uhlenbrock 71000 DigiTest
Test motor and function outputs safely.
View product
PIKO Digital
PIKO 56415 SmartProgrammer
Configure SmartDecoders and sound projects.
View product
Command Station
ESU 50220 ECoS 2.5
Multi-protocol command station with a touchscreen.
View product
More direct shop destinations
More H0 products grouped by subject
More Starter Sets
More Locomotives
Decoders and Interfaces
Track Systems and Accessories
Scenery and Layout Construction
Related Railway Themes
Explore planning and technology in more detail
Related guides for H0 gauge
Frequently asked questions about the most popular scale
FAQ about H0-gauge model railways
What scale and track gauge does H0 use?
Standard-gauge H0 is produced at a scale of 1:87. The distance between the running rails is 16.5 millimetres.
What is the difference between H0 AC and H0 DC?
H0 AC normally refers to centre-contact layouts with a pickup shoe. H0 DC refers to two-rail layouts with electrically separated rails.
Can AC and DC locomotives be used together?
Normally not without a technical conversion. Their current collection, wheelsets and electrical equipment differ.
Which curve radius is suitable for H0?
Compact curves frequently begin at approximately 358 to 360 millimetres. Long coaches and large steam locomotives benefit from wider radii.
Is H0 gauge suitable for beginners?
Yes. The selection of starter sets, track, vehicles and accessories is particularly large and can be expanded gradually.
Which track system is suitable for floor layouts?
Track with a stable roadbed, such as Märklin C Track, Trix C Track, PIKO A Track with roadbed or Roco Line with roadbed, is practical.
Can an H0 layout be controlled using a smartphone?
Yes. Z21, PIKO SmartControl WLAN, ECoS and other command stations support network or app-based control.
Which decoder interfaces are common in H0?
NEM 652, 21MTC, PluX22, PluX16 and Next18 are frequently used. The vehicle instructions remain decisive.
What do H0m, H0e and H0f mean?
They are narrow-gauge variants at a scale of 1:87 using model track gauges of 12, 9 and 6.5 millimetres respectively.
How much space does an H0 layout require?
A compact oval requires approximately 160 × 100 centimetres. Wider curves, stations and hidden yards increase the required area.
H0 offers a complete product world for almost every model railway theme
Further gauges, manufacturers, prototype themes, layout-building advice and digital guides are available on the central guide page.