Very Little Available Space
Z gauge uses the available area extremely efficiently. N gauge remains compact but is generally easier to handle and maintain.
Compare Z and N →
From 1:220 to the Garden Railway
Which Model Railway Gauge Is Right for You?
The appropriate model size determines train length, curve radii, visible detail, ease of handling and space requirements. Compare Z, N, TT, H0, narrow gauge, Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and G gauge before choosing vehicles and track.
13 Options
Standard, system and narrow-gauge variants
1:220–1:22.5
From miniature models to large-scale railways
6.5–45 mm
Compared model track gauges
24 Models
Examples from several model sizes
Foundation of the Decision
Scale, nominal size and track gauge are not the same
The scale describes how much smaller the model is than the prototype. An H0 model at 1:87 is 87 times smaller than the full-size vehicle. The model track gauge is the distance between the inner edges of the rails. Standard-gauge H0 track measures 16.5 millimetres, N gauge measures 9 millimetres and TT gauge measures 12 millimetres.
In everyday use, the word “gauge” is frequently used for the complete nominal size. Several track gauges can nevertheless exist within one model scale. H0, H0m, H0e and H0f all use a scale of 1:87 but represent standard gauge, metre gauge, narrower light railways and field railways.
H0 AC and H0 DC are not differently sized gauges. Both use a scale of 1:87 and 16.5 mm track. The difference lies in the electrical system. Centre-stud vehicles collect additional current through a pickup shoe, while two-rail vehicles use electrically separated running rails.
Recommendation by Main Objective
Which model size suits each layout objective?
Long Passenger and Goods Trains
N gauge permits long main-line trains and large stations within an area that would accommodate considerably shorter trains in H0.
Explore N gauge →Balance Size and Route Length
TT lies between H0 and N. Vehicles remain clearly visible while curve radii and station lengths are more compact than in H0.
Explore TT gauge →Maximum Product Variety
H0 offers a particularly wide selection of vehicles, track systems, buildings, digital command stations and scenery products.
Explore H0 gauge →Light Railways and Mountains
H0e, H0m and TTe suit short trains, tight routes, viaducts, termini and characterful narrow-gauge railways.
Compare narrow gauges →Field Railway in a Tiny Area
H0f combines the clearly visible H0 scale with track measuring only 6.5 millimetres for mines, forests, brickworks and industry.
Explore H0f gauge →Shunting with Large Models
Gauge 0 displays couplings, driving cabs and running gear clearly. A narrow shunting layout can already provide intensive operation.
Explore Gauge 0 →Large Scale or Garden Railway
Gauge 1 represents standard-gauge large models at 1:32. G gauge is especially widespread for robust narrow-gauge and garden railways.
Explore G gauge and large scales →
Personal Preliminary Selection
Find a suitable model railway gauge using four details
The finder provides a practical preliminary recommendation. Before making a final purchase, draw the proposed track plan and check the minimum radius of the longest intended vehicle.
Your Preliminary Selection
H0 Gauge
For a medium-sized area and a balanced introduction, H0 provides an especially broad selection of vehicles, track and accessories.
Technical Overview
All listed model railway gauges compared directly
The radii provide initial guidance for space planning. The minimum radius specified by the vehicle manufacturer remains authoritative. Visible routes in every model size benefit from more generous curves.
| Gauge | Scale | Model track gauge | Compact radius guidance | Space requirement | Particular strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z Gauge | 1:220 | 6.5 mm | Approximately 145–195 mm | Very low | Suitcase, tabletop and miniature layouts |
| N Gauge | 1:160 | 9 mm | Approximately 192–250 mm | Low | Long trains and extensive scenery |
| TT Gauge | 1:120 | 12 mm | Approximately 267–310 mm | Low to medium | A good compromise between size and route length |
| TTe Gauge | 1:120 | 6.5 mm | Frequently approximately 195–220 mm | Very low | Exceptionally compact Saxon narrow gauge |
| H0 Gauge | 1:87 | 16.5 mm | Approximately 358–420 mm | Medium | Especially large product selection |
| H0 AC | 1:87 | 16.5 mm, centre studs | Frequently from 360 mm | Medium | Märklin, mfx and robust C Track system |
| H0 DC | 1:87 | 16.5 mm, two rail | Frequently from 358 mm | Medium | Broad multi-brand and DCC selection |
| H0e Gauge | 1:87 | 9 mm | Approximately 200–262 mm | Low to medium | 750/760 mm light and mountain railways |
| H0m Gauge | 1:87 | 12 mm | Frequently from approximately 310–330 mm | Medium | Metre gauge, RhB and Alpine railways |
| H0f Gauge | 1:87 | 6.5 mm | System-specific, from R 115 | Very low | Field, mine and industrial railways |
| Gauge 0 | Usually 1:45 in Europe | 32 mm | Approximately 914–1,020 mm | High | Detail, sound and shunting operation |
| Gauge 1 | 1:32 | 45 mm | Frequently from approximately 1,020 mm | Very high | Large models and visible engineering |
| G Gauge | Frequently 1:22.5, sometimes different | 45 mm | Approximately 600–1,200 mm and larger | High to very high | Robust indoor and garden railways |
H0 AC and H0 DC are the same size but are not electrically identical. The same model track gauge does not guarantee complete compatibility: rail profile, wheelsets, coupling, power supply and digital protocol must also match.
Detailed Topic Pages
Thirteen gauge and system options with direct recommendations
Small and compact model sizes
1:220 · 6.5 mm
Z Gauge Model Railways
Suitable for minimal areas, mobile suitcase layouts and long routes. The fine models require clean track and careful handling.
1:160 · 9 mmN Gauge Model Railways
A strong choice for long trains, double-track main lines, large stations and extensive scenery in a home or shelf layout.
1:120 · 12 mmTT Gauge Model Railways
TT provides more visible vehicles than N while requiring considerably less space than H0 for comparable routes.
1:120 · 6.5 mmTTe Gauge Model Railways
Suitable for Saxon 750 mm railways, short DR trains and narrow branch lines with exceptionally low space requirements.
H0 gauge and its system and narrow-gauge variants
1:87 · 16.5 mm
H0 Gauge Model Railways
The universal overview for vehicles, centre-stud and two-rail systems, digital control, track, scenery and manufacturers.
Centre Stud · mfxH0 AC Model Railways
Suitable for Märklin C Track and K Track, pickup-shoe vehicles, Mobile Station, Central Station and multi-protocol operation.
Two Rail · DCCH0 DC Model Railways
Suitable for Roco, PIKO, Trix, Tillig and other two-rail brands using DCC, Z21, SmartControl and several track systems.
1:87 · 9 mmH0e Gauge Model Railways
Saxon and Austrian narrow gauge with short trains, tight curves, transporter-wagon operation and rural terminus stations.
1:87 · 12 mmH0m Gauge Model Railways
Metre-gauge railways from the RhB, MGB and MOB with panorama coaches, mountain routes, viaducts and occasional rack sections.
1:87 · 6.5 mmH0f Gauge Model Railways
Field railways with diesel locomotives, tipper wagons and tight track for forestry, peat, brickworks, quarries and mines.
Large models and garden railways
Usually 1:45 · 32 mm
Gauge 0 Model Railways
Large, easy-to-handle vehicles for visible engineering, intensive shunting, shelf layouts, modules and collections.
1:32 · 45 mmGauge 1 Model Railways
Standard-gauge large models with detailed driving cabs, powerful sound, substantial weight and high space requirements.
45 mm · Several ScalesG Gauge Model Railways
Robust narrow-gauge and mountain railways for gardens, terraces, large indoor areas and seasonal themed layouts.
Before the First Purchase
Select the right model railway gauge in five steps
Selection Step 1
Measure the Area That Is Actually Usable
Doors, windows, radiators, walkways, operating sides and reach reduce the usable space. Do not plan only to the edge of a table.
Selection Step 2
Draw the Complete Intended Train
The locomotive, wagons, safety clearance and turnouts determine the required station length. One model alone does not demonstrate the realistic space requirement.
Selection Step 3
Check Handling and Viewing Distance
Z and N save space but require finer handling. Gauge 0 and Gauge 1 are easier to handle but require more storage and operating space.
Selection Step 4
Define the Prototype and Operating Purpose
Main lines, industrial sidings, the Rhaetian Railway, Saxon narrow gauge, field railways and garden railways lead to different model sizes.
Selection Step 5
Select Track and Digital Control Together
Centre-stud and two-rail systems must be distinguished, especially in H0. Also check the decoder format, coupling, wheelsets and minimum radius.
Suitable Manufacturer Pages
Brands for small, medium and large model railway gauges
Comparing Size Using Real Models
24 product examples from twelve gauges and system worlds
The selection includes representative starter sets, locomotives, multiple units and wagons. Every card leads directly to the relevant product page.
Compact gauges: Z, N, TT and TTe
These model sizes are especially suitable for smaller rooms, long trains or narrow-gauge themes with low space requirements.
Z Gauge · Starter Set
Märklin 81875 Modern Freight Traffic
Class 285, three goods wagons, track oval and power supply for a compact introduction.
Z Gauge · Suitcase Layout
NOCH 88318 St Anton
Detailed winter layout with Märklin mini-club track in a portable suitcase.
N Gauge · z21
Fleischmann 5170006 Class 245
Digital regional train with double-deck coaches, track oval and z21-start control.
N Gauge · Digital
Minitrix 11170 Leisure Express
Class 218, two regional coaches, sound, Mobile Station and track oval.
TT Gauge · Starter Set
Tillig 01500 MAV Freight Train
TRAXX locomotive, three wagons, roadbed track oval and controller.
TT Gauge · Sound
Roco 7590019 Class 185
Modern DB goods locomotive with digital sound equipment at a scale of 1:120.
TTe Gauge · Steam Locomotive
Veit 41074 Saxon VII K
Detailed DR narrow-gauge steam locomotive for compact 6.5 mm routes.
TTe Gauge · Wagon
Karsei 29024 Luggage Van
Timber-panelled DR luggage van for historical Saxon narrow-gauge trains.
H0 systems, metre gauge, narrow gauge and field railways
The H0 family combines the clearly visible 1:87 scale with several electrical systems and four different model track gauges.
H0 AC · mfx
Märklin 29249 Local Goods Train
Class 24, goods wagons, C Track and Mobile Station for an introduction to centre-stud operation.
H0 AC · Multiple Unit
PIKO 21826 Talent 2
Five-part S-Bahn multiple unit for centre-stud layouts with digital sound.
H0 DC · z21
Roco 5110008 Class 221
Digital DB goods train with Roco Line track oval and z21-start control.
H0 DC · Wi-Fi
PIKO 59014 Two-Train Set
Two trains, PIKO A Track, turnouts and wireless SmartControl operation.
H0e · Steam Locomotive
Bemo 1106835 DR 99 705
Saxon narrow-gauge steam locomotive at 1:87 scale with digital sound.
H0e · ÖBB
Roco 7540005 Class 2095
Austrian narrow-gauge diesel locomotive for passenger, goods and transporter-wagon operation.
H0m · RhB
Bemo 1258175 Ge 4/4 II
Modern RhB advertising locomotive for passenger and goods trains on metre-gauge track.
H0m · Multiple Unit
Bemo 7245103 Capricorn
Four-part modern RhB multiple unit for Alpine regional and fast services.
H0f · Mine Railway
Busch 12020 Mine Railway
Compact starter set for a mine, tunnel and materials transport.
H0f · Logging Railway
Busch 12003 Logging Railway
Field-railway locomotive and wagons for a timber yard, sawmill and forestry operation.
Large gauges: Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and G gauge
Large vehicles display engineering and detail especially clearly. Shunting layouts, modules and garden railways can replace a complete continuous circuit where space is limited.
Gauge 0 · Starter Set
Lenz 43201-01 Köf
Small locomotive, two goods wagons, track oval and digital control.
Gauge 0 · Railcar
Lenz 40193-04 VT 98
Two-part railbus formation for branch-line and shuttle operation.
Gauge 1 · Steam Locomotive
Märklin 55127 Class 02
Imposing express steam locomotive at 1:32 scale with sound functions.
Gauge 1 · Railbus
Märklin 55131 No. 73
Compact branch-line railcar for a manageable Gauge 1 operating location.
G Gauge · Freight Train
LGB 70403 Freight Train
Stainz steam locomotive, two goods wagons, track circle and controller.
G Gauge · Passenger Train
LGB 70307 Passenger Train
Stainz locomotive, two passenger coaches, track circle and control equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about selecting the right model railway gauge
Which model railway gauge is best for beginners?
H0 is a common starting point because of its large selection and straightforward handling. TT or N can be useful where less space is available. A complete starter set makes it easier to coordinate the vehicle, track and control system.
Which model railway requires the least space?
Z gauge requires especially little space among the commonly used model sizes. N gauge is slightly larger but also permits long routes and is normally easier to handle during maintenance and rerailing.
Which gauge is suitable for long trains?
N and Z permit especially long passenger and goods trains in relation to the layout area. TT provides a good middle ground when the vehicles should remain more clearly visible.
Is TT gauge larger than N gauge?
Yes. TT uses a scale of 1:120 and 12 mm track. European N gauge normally uses a scale of 1:160 and 9 mm track.
What is the difference between H0 AC and H0 DC?
Both use a scale of 1:87 and a track gauge of 16.5 millimetres. H0 AC normally refers to the centre-stud system with a pickup shoe, while H0 DC refers to a two-rail system with separated rail polarities.
Can an H0 AC locomotive run on H0 DC track?
Normally not without modification. Current pickup, wiring, wheelsets and decoder equipment differ. Any conversion depends on the model and should be planned carefully.
What do H0e, H0m and H0f mean?
All three variants use the H0 scale of 1:87. H0m operates on 12 mm track, H0e on 9 mm track and H0f on 6.5 mm track.
What is TTe gauge?
TTe represents 750, 760 and similar narrow-gauge railways at the TT scale of 1:120 on 6.5 mm track. The vehicles are smaller than H0e models.
Is G gauge the same as Gauge 1?
No. Both can operate on 45 mm track. Gauge 1 represents standard gauge at 1:32, while G gauge frequently represents larger narrow-gauge railways at scales such as approximately 1:22.5.
Which gauge is suitable for a garden railway?
G gauge is particularly widespread for garden railways. Foundations, drainage, electrical safety, curve radii and protected vehicle storage should be considered from the beginning.
Can several gauges be combined on one layout?
Yes. An H0 station can, for example, include an H0e, H0m or H0f connecting railway. Every gauge nevertheless requires suitable track, vehicles and, where necessary, its own power supply.
Are tracks of the same width automatically compatible?
No. Track gauge, rail height, sleeper pattern, joiners, wheelset dimensions, turnout geometry and electrical system must all be compatible. This is especially important with Z and TTe, and with G gauge and Gauge 1.
Which model railway gauge is suitable for children?
Larger models are easier to handle, but model railways are not toys for very young children. Observe the stated age recommendation, small parts and the instructions supplied with each product.
Why is there no universal minimum radius?
Vehicle length, wheelbase, coupling, chassis and overhang vary. The smallest radius available within a track system is therefore not automatically suitable for every vehicle.
Check the track plan before choosing the gauge
Draw the available area with radii, turnouts and the longest intended train. This quickly reveals which model size suits the room and intended operation over the long term.
Technical classification follows NEM 010 – Scales, Model Sizes and Track Gauges . Radius values provide guidance only; the relevant manufacturer specification is authoritative. Content updated: 19 July 2026.