Z or N Gauge
Both sizes allow long routes, larger stations and extensive scenery in a comparatively small area. N is slightly easier to handle, while Z saves even more space.
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Scale, space requirements and selection explained clearly
Model Railway Gauge Comparison | H0, TT, N & More
Compare Z, N, TT, H0, H0e, H0m, Gauge 0, Gauge 1, Gauge G and other model railway sizes. The overview explains scale, model track gauge, space requirements, typical curve radii, visible detail and suitable layout themes.
Essential information before your first purchase
What Is the Difference Between Gauge and Scale?
The scale describes how much smaller the model is than the real prototype. An H0 model at a scale of 1:87 is therefore 87 times smaller than the corresponding full-size vehicle. The model track gauge, by contrast, describes the distance between the inner edges of the rails. Standard-gauge H0 track has a distance of 16.5 millimetres.
Model sizes such as Z, N, TT, H0, 0 and 1 combine a defined scale range with particular model track gauges. Different prototype track gauges can be represented within the same model size. Standard-gauge H0 therefore runs on 16.5-millimetre track, metre-gauge H0m on 12-millimetre track and narrow-gauge H0e on 9-millimetre track.
The smallest model size does not automatically require the least personal effort. Very small vehicles permit long routes within a limited area, but they require clean track and careful handling. Large gauges show more visible detail and are easier to handle, but require considerably larger curves and more storage space.
Direct recommendations by layout type
Which Gauge Is Right for Your Model Railway?
Do not base your decision only on the size of an individual model. The important question is which trains, curve radii, stations and scenery will fit permanently within the available area.
TT Gauge
TT is smaller than H0 but considerably larger than N. It is suitable for compact main lines, branch lines and prototypical trains in a clearly visible size.
Discover TT Gauge →H0 Gauge
H0 offers vehicles, track systems, buildings, digital equipment and scenery products from many manufacturers. The models are highly detailed while remaining suitable for traditional home layouts.
Discover H0 Gauge →H0e or H0m
Narrow gauge permits tight curves, short trains and attractive scenery. H0e is frequently used for Saxon light railways, while H0m is used for Swiss metre-gauge railways and other mountain lines.
Discover Narrow Gauge →Gauge 0
Large vehicles, clearly visible technology and functional couplings make Gauge 0 especially immersive. A narrow shunting layout may provide more operating interest than a complete continuous circuit.
Discover Gauge 0 Models →Gauge G or Gauge 1
Both systems often use 45-millimetre track but represent different prototype gauges and model scales. Gauge G is especially widespread for garden and narrow-gauge railways.
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From Z gauge to Gauge II
Important Model Railway Gauges Compared
The curve radii are deliberately presented as approximate planning guidance. The actual permissible minimum radius always depends on the particular vehicle, track system, manufacturer and desired visual appearance.
| Model Size | Scale | Model Track Gauge | Common Compact Radii | Space Requirement | Particular Strength | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 1:220 | 6.5 mm | approximately 145–195 mm | very low | long trains and extensive scenery | suitcase, tabletop and miniature layouts |
| N | 1:160 | 9 mm | approximately 192–250 mm | low | extensive main-line operation in a small area | apartments, shelf layouts and long trains |
| TT | 1:120 | 12 mm | approximately 267–310 mm | low to medium | compromise between size and space | main lines, DR, DB and Central European themes |
| H0 | 1:87 | 16.5 mm | approximately 360–420 mm | medium | particularly large product selection | beginners, collectors and layout builders |
| H0m | 1:87 | 12 mm | frequently from approximately 330 mm | medium | metre gauge and Alpine railways | RhB, MGB and mountain layouts |
| H0e | 1:87 | 9 mm | frequently from approximately 228 mm | low to medium | tight narrow-gauge routes | Saxony, Austria and light railways |
| H0f | 1:87 | 6.5 mm | system-specific, very small radii possible | very low | field and industrial railways | quarries, mines and dioramas |
| S | 1:64 | 22.5 mm | manufacturer-dependent | medium to high | large, clearly visible models | specialist collectors |
| 0 | usually 1:45 | 32 mm | approximately 600–1,020 mm | high | detail, sound and shunting operation | shelf, sectional and shunting layouts |
| 0e | usually 1:45 | 16.5 mm | frequently from approximately 400–600 mm | medium to high | large narrow-gauge models in a compact area | light railways and shunting layouts |
| 1 | 1:32 | 45 mm | frequently from approximately 1,020 mm | very high | large models and extensive technology | large rooms and collections |
| G | frequently 1:22.5 to 1:29 | 45 mm | approximately 600–1,200 mm and larger | high to very high | robust indoor and garden railways | gardens, terraces and large rooms |
| II | 1:22.5 | 64 mm for standard gauge | very large and system-specific | extremely high | prototypically scaled large models | specialist layouts and collectors |
The stated radii are non-binding guidance for compact layouts. The minimum radius specified by the manufacturer for the particular vehicle is authoritative. Visible routes normally look considerably more realistic when larger radii are used.
The most common decisions
H0, TT and N Compared Directly
H0 Gauge or TT Gauge?
H0 offers larger models and a particularly broad selection. TT requires less area for comparable track plans. Anyone who values a large number of manufacturers, vehicles and building kits will generally find more options in H0. Anyone planning a longer station or more extensive scenery on a medium-sized area benefits from TT.
Choose H0
For maximum choice, easy handling and sufficient space.
Choose TT
For limited space and clearly visible models.
H0 Gauge or N Gauge?
An H0 vehicle is considerably larger and displays details particularly well from a normal viewing distance. N allows longer trains, larger curve radii and more scenery within the same area. A space that accommodates an H0 branch line may already permit a double-track main line in N.
Choose H0
For visible detail, digital functions and a large product range.
Choose N
For main-line operation, long trains and extensive scenery.
TT Gauge or N Gauge?
TT is easier to handle and has a stronger visual presence from a greater distance. N saves considerably more space and is especially suitable for long passenger and freight trains. Both sizes suit compact home layouts. The final decision should be based on a real model and the planned track layout.
Choose TT
For a balanced compromise between vehicle size and space.
Choose N
For maximum route length and extensive layout themes.
Understanding special cases
H0e, H0m, Gauge G, Gauge 1 and Gauge II Explained
What Do H0m, H0e and H0f Mean?
The vehicles use the H0 scale of 1:87 but represent narrower prototype railways. H0m runs on 12-millimetre track, H0e on 9-millimetre track and H0f on 6.5-millimetre track. This permits tight curves, short stations and scenery-focused light railways. Further information is available in the narrow-gauge overview .
Why Do Gauge G and Gauge 1 Use 45-Millimetre Track?
The same model track gauge does not represent the same prototype. Gauge 1 represents standard gauge at a scale of 1:32. Gauge G commonly uses 45-millimetre track to represent larger narrow-gauge prototypes at several different scales. Vehicles can therefore differ considerably in appearance and technical design despite using the same track width.
Is Gauge G the Same as Gauge II?
No. Standard gauge in model size II is represented at a scale of 1:22.5 on 64-millimetre track. The widespread garden railway using 45-millimetre track normally represents narrow-gauge prototypes and is commonly sold as Gauge G.
Can Different Gauges Be Combined?
Yes, when the prototype provides a credible reason. An H0 standard-gauge station can, for example, include an H0e or H0m narrow-gauge railway. Because scale and model track gauge can differ, each railway requires suitable vehicles, track and, where necessary, its own power supply.
20 models from nine model railway sizes
Suitable Model Railway Products for Comparing Gauges
The selection demonstrates how vehicle size, visible detail and possible layout themes change from H0 through TT and N to Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and Gauge G.
H0 Gauge – Scale 1:87
A large variety of models for main lines, branch lines, regional traffic and freight trains.
H0 · ÖBB · Era VI
Roco 7500240 Taurus
Modern electric locomotive for international long-distance passenger trains.
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H0 AC · DB · Sound
Märklin 37480 E 70.2
Historic electric locomotive with clearly visible details and extensive digital functions.
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H0 DC · DB AG · Sound
Roco 70768 Class 218
Versatile diesel locomotive for passenger, push-pull and freight trains.
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H0 DC · Regional Traffic
PIKO 21779 Class 114
Traffic-red locomotive for Regional-Express and double-deck trains.
View Product →TT Gauge – Scale 1:120
Clearly visible vehicles with considerably lower space requirements than H0.
TT · Railpool · Era VI
PIKO 47209 Class 151
Heavy electric locomotive for long freight trains on compact layouts.
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TT · Private Railway
Tillig 04652 Class 228
Distinctive large diesel locomotive for engineering, freight and special trains.
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TT · DB · Era IV
Tillig 04706 Class 210
Classic Deutsche Bundesbahn diesel locomotive for high-quality passenger trains.
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TT · Industrial Railway
Tillig 02066 WL 20
Compact steam locomotive for industrial railways, chemical works and shunting operation.
View Product →N Gauge – Scale 1:160
Long main-line trains, extensive scenery and stations within a compact area.
N · WFL · Sound
BRAWA 61037 Class 232
Large diesel locomotive for heavy trains at a compact model scale.
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N · DB · Sound
Minitrix 16227 V 200
Deutsche Bundesbahn classic for express, semi-fast and heavy passenger trains.
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N · DR · Shunting Locomotive
Fleischmann 722096 Class 106
Compact shunting locomotive for freight yards and industrial sidings.
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N · DR · Era IV
Arnold HN2526D Class 251
Characteristic electric locomotive for the Rübeland Railway.
View Product →Z Gauge – Scale 1:220
Particularly compact vehicles for tabletop, suitcase and miniature layouts.
H0e and H0m – Narrow Gauge at a Scale of 1:87
Strong visual presence combined with narrow track and compact routes.
Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and G – Large Vehicles and Visible Technology
Models for intensive shunting operation, large rooms and garden railways.
Gauge 0 · DB Cargo
Lenz 40134-07 Class 212
Large shunting and main-line model with a particularly strong visual presence.
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Gauge 0 · MWB · Sound
Lenz 40310-52 E 94
Imposing electric locomotive with sound and remotely controlled coupling.
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Gauge 1 · DR · Sound
Märklin 55127 Class 02
Large express steam locomotive at a scale of 1:32 with extensive technical functions.
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G Gauge · Starter Set
LGB 70307 Passenger Train
Robust introduction to a large indoor or garden railway.
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Questions and easy-to-understand answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Model Railway Gauges
Which Model Railway Gauge Is the Most Popular?
H0 is one of the most widely used model railway sizes and offers a particularly large selection of vehicles, track, buildings and accessories. The best gauge is nevertheless the one that suits the available space and preferred layout theme.
Which Gauge Requires the Least Space?
Z requires particularly little space among the commonly used model railway sizes. N is slightly larger but easier to handle and also allows long trains to operate on compact layouts.
Which Gauge Is Suitable for Long Trains?
N and Z permit particularly long trains in relation to the layout area. TT also provides good train lengths with a stronger visual presence. Long H0 express and freight trains require correspondingly larger rooms.
Is TT Gauge Larger Than N Gauge?
Yes. TT uses a scale of 1:120 and a model track gauge of 12 millimetres. N uses the smaller scale of 1:160 and a model track gauge of 9 millimetres.
Is Gauge G the Same as Gauge 1?
No. Both can use 45-millimetre track but represent different prototype track gauges and scales. Gauge 1 represents standard gauge at 1:32. Gauge G is commonly used for large narrow-gauge prototypes and garden railways.
Can H0, TT and N Vehicles Run Together?
No. The vehicles require tracks of different widths and are built at different scales. They can appear together only in deliberately constructed forced-perspective or exhibition scenes.
What Do H0e and H0m Mean?
Both use the H0 scale of 1:87 but represent narrower prototype railways. H0e runs on 9-millimetre track and H0m on 12-millimetre track. The vehicles and track are therefore not directly interchangeable.
Which Gauge Is Suitable for a Garden Railway?
Gauge G is particularly widespread for garden railways. The vehicles and track are large and robust. Electrical equipment, track foundations, curve radii, drainage and weather-protected storage should be considered during planning.
Which Gauge Is Suitable for Beginners?
H0 is a common starting point because of its large selection and straightforward handling. TT is interesting when space is limited, N suits long routes and G offers large, robust vehicles. A complete starter set makes the introduction easier.
More Planning Help in the Model Railway Guide
Discover further information about starter sets, track planning, digital technology, locomotives, rolling stock, railway eras, scenery construction, maintenance and prototypical operation.