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Model Railway Gauge Comparison | H0, TT, N & More
Model railway gauge comparison with a steam locomotive and freight train
Interactive Gauge Overview

Model Railway Gauge Comparison | H0, TT, N & More

Compare model railway gauges by scale, model track gauge, minimum radius, space requirements, level of detail, manufacturer selection, suitability for beginners, possible train length and indoor or outdoor operation.

Compare Gauges Selection Guide Explore Models
Find the Right Model Size

Which model railway gauge suits your available space?

The gauge determines far more than the distance between the rails. Together with the scale, it affects how much space curves, stations and sidings require, how long a credible train can be and how easily small components can be handled.

Large scales such as Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and G gauge display an especially high level of detail but require broad curves and long storage tracks. N and Z gauges permit long routes within a small area. TT lies between them, while H0 provides the broadest selection of vehicles, track, buildings and digital technology.

In the table, model track gauge means the distance between the inner edges of the rails. The distance between the centre lines of two parallel tracks is a separate planning dimension and must be increased on curves according to the radius and vehicle length.

Manufacturer Worlds for Different Model Railway Gauges

Märklin logo PIKO logo Roco logo Fleischmann logo Tillig logo BEMO logo Lenz logo LGB logo Busch logo
Filter, Sort and Compare Directly

Interactive Table of the Most Important Model Railway Gauges

Search for a gauge, select an intended use or save up to three model sizes for a direct comparison.

14 gauges displayed On narrow screens, the values are displayed as cards.
Comparison of gauge, scale, model track gauge, minimum radius, space requirements, level of detail, manufacturers and intended uses.
Gauge Scale Model Track Gauge Typical Minimum Radius Space Requirement Level of Detail Manufacturer Selection Suitability for Beginners Suitability for Long Trains Indoor or Outdoor Operation
Z Gauge smallest widely available production scale 1:220 6.5 mm 145–195 mm very low ●●●●● good, exceptionally delicate Märklin , Rokuhan, NOCH limited very good indoor
N Gauge extensive routes within a small area 1:160 9 mm 192–250 mm low ●●●●● very good Fleischmann , Minitrix, Arnold, Kato, PIKO good very good indoor
TT Gauge compromise between space and visual presence 1:120 12 mm 267–310 mm low to medium ●●●●● very balanced Tillig , PIKO , Roco , Kuehn, Hädl very good good indoor
TTe Gauge TT narrow gauge for 750 and 760 mm prototypes 1:120 6.5 mm 195–220 mm very low ●●●●● full of character Modellbau Veit, Karsei, Tillig limited generally short indoor
H0 Gauge H0 AC · H0 DC 1:87 16.5 mm 358–420 mm medium ●●●●● very high Märklin , PIKO , Roco , Trix, BRAWA, ESU very good depends on available space indoor
H0e Gauge 750 and 760 mm narrow gauge at 1:87 scale 1:87 9 mm 200–262 mm low to medium ●●●●● very high Roco , BEMO , Liliput, Tillig good generally short trains indoor
H0m Gauge metre gauge and Alpine railways at 1:87 scale 1:87 12 mm 310–330 mm medium ●●●●● very high BEMO , Tillig good good for narrow gauge indoor
H0f Gauge field, mine and industrial railways 1:87 6.5 mm from approximately 115 mm very low ●●●●● excellent scenic impact Busch , small-series manufacturers limited short field-railway trains indoor
S Gauge uncommon intermediate size 1:64 22.5 mm from approximately 500 mm high ●●●●● high small international selection and small-series manufacturers limited large area required mainly indoor
Gauge 0 large-scale railway for modules and shunting 1:45, sometimes 1:43.5 32 mm 914–1,020 mm high ●●●●● very high Lenz , PIKO , MBW good for modules generally short trains indoor
0e Gauge large narrow gauge using the H0 track gauge 1:45 16.5 mm approximately 400–600 mm medium to high ●●●●● very high PECO, small-series manufacturers and conversions good for sections generally short mainly indoor
Gauge 1 large standard-gauge models for collectors 1:32 45 mm from approximately 1,020 mm very high ●●●●● exceptionally high Märklin , KM1, KISS limited very large area indoor, limited outdoor use
G Gauge / IIm robust garden and large-scale railway usually 1:22.5; sometimes different 45 mm 600–1,200 mm and larger high to very high ●●●●● strong visual presence at a distance LGB , PIKO , Train Line very good good in the garden indoor and outdoor
Gauge II standard gauge at a scale of 1:22.5 1:22.5 64 mm system-dependent, usually very large extremely high ●●●●● maximum model impact custom manufacturers, small series and scratch building specialists only on large-scale layouts indoor, limited outdoor use

Important: The radii are typical introductory and track-system values. The permissible minimum radius always depends on the locomotive, coach length, coupling, bogie movement and manufacturer specification. Larger radii produce a considerably more prototypical appearance on visible main lines.

From the Available Space to the Right Railway

Which gauge suits your space, train length and requirements?

The best gauge is not automatically the largest or smallest. The decisive question is which type of operation will remain enjoyable within the available area.

Step 1

Measure the Available Layout Area

Record the length, depth, reach and possible extensions. A track oval requires more than twice the radius because edge clearance and the roadbed must be added.

Step 2

Define the Intended Train Length

Long InterCity and freight trains favour N, Z or a generously sized TT layout. Branch-line, shunting and narrow-gauge trains can also appear convincing on short sections.

Step 3

Balance Detail and Handling

H0 and larger model sizes are easier to rerail and maintain. N and Z save space but require a steadier hand when working with couplings, cleaning and scenery.

Step 4

Choose Indoor or Outdoor Operation

Traditional Z, N, TT and H0 layouts belong indoors. G gauge is especially suitable for gardens and terraces. Vehicles and electronics should nevertheless be stored dry and protected.

Practical Tip Before the First Purchase

Begin planning with the radii required by your longest intended locomotive and longest coach. A small starter circle may operate reliably even though a later express train or large steam locomotive cannot negotiate it. A little reserve prevents expensive alterations.

Examples from Different Model Sizes

Suitable Models and Starting Points by Gauge

The following examples show typical vehicles, starter sets and layout concepts. Before purchasing, check the electrical system, digital protocol, minimum radius and existing track system.

Compact Model Railway Worlds in Z Gauge

Z Gauge Guide Märklin

Long Passenger and Freight Trains in N Gauge

N Gauge Guide Fleischmann

TT and TTe Between Compact Dimensions and Character

TT Gauge TTe Gauge Tillig

H0 Gauge with Centre-Conductor and Two-Rail Systems

H0 Gauge H0 AC H0 DC

Narrow Gauge, Metre Gauge and Field Railways in H0

H0e H0m H0f BEMO

Large-Scale Impact in Gauge 0, Gauge 1 and G Gauge

Gauge 0 Gauge 1 G Gauge
Understanding the Terminology

Scale, Model Track Gauge and Minimum Radius Explained

These three values may appear similarly technical but describe different characteristics of a model railway.

What does the scale indicate?

The scale describes the reduction compared with the prototype. In H0 at 1:87 scale, one centimetre on the model represents approximately 87 centimetres on the prototype. The smaller the second number, the larger the model appears.

Why is the track gauge not always the scale?

Gauge 1 and G gauge both frequently use 45 mm track but represent different prototype gauges and scales. The same distance between the rails therefore does not automatically mean that vehicles, couplings, electrical systems and proportions are compatible.

Why is there no universal minimum radius?

The smallest negotiable curve depends on the individual vehicle. Long express coaches, large steam locomotives and close-coupled vehicles frequently require a larger radius than short shunting locomotives or two-axle branch-line wagons.

What do the suffixes m, e and f mean?

The letters identify narrow-gauge variants within a model size. H0m typically represents metre gauge, H0e frequently represents 750 or 760 mm railways and H0f represents exceptionally narrow field, mine or industrial railways.

Answers Before Selecting a System

Frequently Asked Questions About Model Railway Gauge Comparisons

These answers help with selection according to room size, train length, ease of use and intended operating location.

Which model railway gauge is best for beginners?

H0 is especially suitable for beginners because of its extensive selection, straightforward handling and numerous starter sets. TT and N are good alternatives where less space is available. Track system, electrical system and intended vehicles should be compatible from the beginning.

Which model railway requires the least space?

Z gauge requires especially little space. N gauge also offers compact radii but normally provides a broader selection and easier handling. H0f is suitable for very small field-railway or industrial scenes but is not a substitute for a large main-line layout.

Which gauge is suitable for long trains?

N and Z gauges permit the longest trains within the same room length. TT provides a balanced middle ground. Long H0 trains are impressive but require considerably longer station tracks, larger hidden yards and preferably generous visible radii.

Should I choose H0, TT or N?

H0 offers the largest selection and straightforward handling. TT saves considerable space compared with H0 without appearing exceptionally small. N is especially suitable for long routes, large stations and scenery but requires greater care during rerailing and maintenance.

Are H0 AC and H0 DC different gauges?

No. Both normally use 16.5 mm track at a scale of 1:87. The main differences concern current collection, wheelsets, track systems and vehicle technology. Always check the system version of a model before purchasing.

What is the difference between H0e, H0m and H0f?

All three use the 1:87 scale but different model track gauges: H0m uses 12 mm, H0e uses 9 mm and H0f normally uses 6.5 mm. They represent metre gauge, traditional narrow gauge and exceptionally narrow field or mine railways.

What is the difference between G gauge, Gauge 1 and Gauge II?

G gauge and Gauge 1 frequently use 45 mm track but differ in scale and represented prototype. Gauge II represents standard gauge at 1:22.5 scale on 64 mm track. The systems are not interchangeable solely because they appear similar in size.

Which gauge is suitable for a garden railway?

G gauge or IIm is the most widespread choice for garden railways. Selected Gauge 1 and Gauge II projects are also possible. Vehicles, digital equipment and power supplies should be used and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's outdoor-use instructions.

Can I rely on the stated minimum radius?

The value in the table provides initial guidance for space planning. The specification for the individual vehicle remains authoritative. Long coaches, large steam locomotives, rigid couplings or scale-sized buffers may require a considerably larger radius.

What does model track gauge mean in this table?

It means the distance between the inner edges of the rails. The distance between the centre lines of parallel tracks is planned separately. It must be increased on curves to prevent long vehicles from colliding laterally.

Technical Foundation

Use the Guidance Values Correctly When Planning a Layout

The classification of scale, model size and model track gauge follows the European Model Railway Standards. The stated introductory radii supplement this classification with typical values from commonly used track systems.

NEM 111 recommends using minimum radii only where the available space makes this unavoidable. NEM 112 covers the distance between parallel track centres and recognises that it must increase on curves according to vehicle group and radius.

NEM 010: Scales and Model Track Gauges NEM 111: Minimum Curve Radii NEM 112: Parallel Track-Centre Distances Track Systems at Modellbahnshop

From the Gauge Comparison to the Right Model Railway Project

Select your model size, check the available area and minimum radius, and then plan the track system, power supply, vehicles and scenery as one coordinated system.

Open the Gauge Comparison Plan a Layout Open the Model Railway Guide

Technically reviewed on 22 July 2026 · Also check the minimum radius and compatibility stated for each individual product.