Branch Line with a Terminus
Two or three station tracks, a goods shed and an engine shed permit passenger services, goods transfers, run-round movements and industrial-siding operation.
Large Scale · 1:45 · 32 Millimetres
0 Gauge Model Railways – Large-Scale Detail at 1:45
Impressive locomotives, visible engineering, working couplings and an especially immersive driving experience: 0 gauge combines the character of a large-scale railway with varied shunting and branch-line operation.
1:45
Common scale in continental Europe
32 mm
Standard-gauge model track
Approx. R 920
Compact 0 gauge radius
0e · 16.5 mm
Narrow gauge at 1:45 scale
Quick Classification
What is a 0 gauge model railway?
0 gauge is a large model-railway size which predominantly uses a scale of 1:45 in continental Europe. A standard-gauge model operates on track measuring 32 millimetres between the rails. A 0 gauge vehicle is therefore almost twice the linear size of an H0 gauge model. Handrails, pipework, driving cabs, suspension and couplings are correspondingly easy to see.
The large scale does not mean that a complete circuit is essential. Narrow shunting, shelf and modular layouts are particularly attractive. A small terminus, goods shed or industrial siding can provide varied operation with only a few turnouts. Short trains look credible in 0 gauge because the vehicles and spaces between them have a strong physical presence.
Before purchasing, consider the room, longest vehicle, minimum radius, usable track length and intended electrical system together. Anyone still deciding between several model sizes can find a direct comparison in the model railway gauge comparison .
Suitable Manufacturer Pages
Manufacturers of 0 gauge vehicles, track and narrow-gauge products
Lenz Elektronik
0 gauge locomotives, railcars, passenger coaches, goods wagons, track, turnouts, couplings, starter sets and components for digital operation.
Open the Lenz brand world →
Roco
The range complements standard 0 gauge with 0e themes on 16.5 mm track, allowing compact narrow-gauge railways at a scale of 1:45.
Open the Roco brand world →
Standard Gauge and Narrow Gauge
Understanding 0 gauge, 0m, 0e, 0f and 0p correctly
The designations describe different prototype track gauges within the same nominal model size. Buildings, figures and road vehicles at the correct scale can be used together, but railway vehicles require the appropriate track.
| Designation | Common scale | Model track gauge | Prototype range | Typical themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Gauge | 1:45; regionally also 1:43.5 | 32 mm | Standard gauge | Branch lines, main lines, goods yards and locomotive depots |
| 0m Gauge | 1:45 or 1:43.5 | 22.5 mm | Metre gauge and comparable narrow gauges | Regional, mountain and tramway systems |
| 0e Gauge | 1:45 or 1:43.5 | 16.5 mm | Narrow gauge from approximately 650 to less than 850 mm | 750 mm railways, works railways and heritage railways |
| 0i / 0f Gauge | 1:45 or 1:43.5 | 12 mm | Industrial and field railways from approximately 400 to less than 650 mm | Mines, brickworks, peat and field railways |
| 0p Gauge | 1:45 or 1:43.5 | 9 mm | Very small narrow-gauge and park railways | Park railways and specialist light-railway projects |
Technical classification follows NEM 010 . Track products with the same gauge are not automatically fully compatible. Rail profile, wheelset dimensions, coupling, power supply and minimum radius must also be suitable.
Strong Impact Within a Sensibly Used Area
Which layout form is particularly suitable for 0 gauge?
The strength of the model size is not limited to long trains. Operable couplings, slow shunting and visible railway procedures make even short routes interesting.
Industrial Siding and Goods Traffic
A factory gate, loading track and run-round loop are enough for steel, coal, general goods or building-material traffic.
Narrow-Gauge Railway in 0e
Tight curves and short vehicles suit woodland, works, heritage or seasonal railways on a considerably more compact base.
From the Room Sketch to Railway Operation
Plan a realistic and accessible 0 gauge layout
Begin with a clear operating purpose rather than the maximum possible number of tracks. Vehicle length, radius and turnout geometry then determine the actual space requirement.
Planning Step 1
Clarify the Room, Construction and Storage
Check wall lengths, doors, radiators and transport routes. Sections or modules simplify relocation, maintenance and later expansion.
Planning Step 2
Define the Vehicle Fleet Before the Track Plan
A Köf, railbus or short tank locomotive requires less space than a large express locomotive with long passenger coaches.
Planning Step 3
Lay Out the Radii and Turnouts Completely
A radius of approximately 920 millimetres already creates a circle almost 1.84 metres in diameter. Edge clearance and vehicle overhang require additional room.
Planning Step 4
Match Usable Track Lengths to the Intended Train
The station, run-round loop and sidings must accommodate the locomotive and wagons. A few sufficiently long tracks are more useful than many tracks that are too short.
Planning Step 5
Test the Railway Before Building the Scenery
Test slow running, reverse curves, couplings and electrical pickup before platforms, ballast and buildings restrict access.
Selection for Standard and Narrow Gauge
30 suitable 0 gauge and 0e products
The selection combines starter products, traction units, passenger and goods traffic, track construction, shunting technology and accessories. Every card leads directly to the corresponding product page.
Starter Sets and Traction Units
Passenger Coaches and Goods Wagons
Track and Accessories
0e Gauge
All Lenz Products
0 gauge starter sets, locomotives and railcars
From a complete introductory package to an express steam locomotive, these vehicles cover shunting, branch lines, goods traffic and passenger services from several eras.
0 Gauge · Starter Set
Lenz 43201-01 Köf Starter Set
Complete set with a Köf, two goods wagons, track oval and digital controller.
0 Gauge · Diesel Locomotive
Lenz 40134-13 DB Class 212
Deutsche Bundesbahn diesel locomotive for branch lines, goods transfers and shunting.
0 Gauge · Works Locomotive
Lenz 40143-06 Bundespost Locomotive 5
An unusual locomotive for postal depots, works and industrial-railway scenes.
0 Gauge · Shunting Locomotive
Lenz 40143-03 DB AG Class 360
A classic shunting locomotive for goods yards, industrial sidings and transfer trains.
0 Gauge · Electric Locomotive
Lenz 40310-01 DB E 94 192
Distinctive early electric locomotive for heavy Deutsche Bundesbahn goods trains.
0 Gauge · Electric Locomotive
Lenz 40310-10 DB Class 194
Era IV version for goods traffic beneath an overhead line.
0 Gauge · Steam Locomotive
Lenz 40201-13 Steam Locomotive 01 193
Large DRG express steam locomotive as an impressive operating model.
0 Gauge · Railcar
Lenz 40193-04 VT 98 and VS 98
Two-part railbus formation for branch-line and special services.
0 Gauge · Railbus
Lenz 40190-11 VT 98
Compact railcar for heritage, excursion and shuttle services.
0 Gauge · Train Set
Lenz 43286-80 Class 86 Train Set
Steam locomotive and two goods wagons for an Era III train formation.
0 gauge passenger coaches and goods wagons
Different vehicles create specific tasks: delivering general goods, unloading bulk materials, transporting steel or forming a short branch-line or push-pull train.
0 Gauge · Goods Wagon
Lenz 42209-02 G 10 Through-Piped Wagon
Classic covered wagon for general goods and local goods trains.
0 Gauge · High-Sided Wagon
Lenz 42110-20 DB Om 12
Open wagon for coal, scrap, timber and other bulk materials.
0 Gauge · DRG
Lenz 42110-21 DRG Om 12
Reichsbahn wagon for historical goods trains and loading scenes.
0 Gauge · Brakeman's Platform
Lenz 42113-03 DB Om 12
High-sided wagon with a brakeman's platform for classic goods trains.
0 Gauge · VTG
Lenz 42260-12 VTG Shimmns
Modern telescopic-hood wagon for steel and industrial traffic.
0 Gauge · DB Cargo
Lenz 42261-01 Shimmns-tu 718
Sliding-tarpaulin wagon for a modern Era VI goods train.
0 Gauge · Passenger Coach
Lenz 41127-01 BCi 34
First- and second-class branch-line coach for Era III.
0 Gauge · Branch-Line Coach
Lenz 41128-01 Ci 33
Second-class coach for short rural passenger trains.
0 Gauge · Driving Trailer
Lenz 41192-01 BPw4nf-59
Driving trailer with a luggage compartment for a Silberling push-pull train.
0 Gauge · Luggage Van
Lenz 41252-03 D 28 Pw4üe
Four-axle luggage van for passenger and express trains.
0 gauge track, couplings and layout accessories
Track, insulated sections, turnout drives, couplings, lighting and railway staff complete an operational 0 gauge layout.
0 Gauge · Track
Lenz 45010 Standard Straight Track
444.12 mm straight section for routes, stations and modules.
0 Gauge · Curved Track
Lenz 45025 R10 Reverse Curve
Reverse curve for turnout formations and smooth track connections.
0 Gauge · Electrical
Lenz 45091 Insulated Rail Joiners
Insulating joiners for separate electrical sections and clearly organised wiring.
0 Gauge · Track End
Lenz 45065 Buffer Stop
Clip-on end stop for sidings and loading tracks.
0 Gauge · Turnout Drive
Lenz 45040 Turnout Drive
Drive for left- and right-hand turnouts, suitable for analogue or digital operation.
0 Gauge · Coupling
Lenz 49009 Coupling Heads
Two coupling heads with pre-uncoupling for shunting operation.
0 Gauge · Brass Model
Lenz 55066 Buffer Stop with Buffers
Painted brass model for a prototypical end of track.
0 Gauge · Lighting
Lenz 56050-01 Lattice-Mast Lamp
Warm-white LED lamp for stations and industrial layouts.
0 Gauge · Figures
Preiser 65305 Driver and Fireman
Railway staff for a steam locomotive, driving cab or locomotive depot.
0e narrow gauge on 16.5 mm track
0e combines large vehicles at a scale of 1:45 with considerably tighter curves, allowing compact woodland, works, heritage and themed railways.
Control, Couplings and Practical Operation
Operate 0 gauge using analogue or digital control
Both operating methods are possible. The vehicle, command station, track voltage and protocol must be compatible.
Use Digital Functions Purposefully
Sound, lighting, slow running and switchable couplings increase operational value. The functions available depend on the particular vehicle and decoder.
Shunt Instead of Only Running in Circles
Delivering, pre-uncoupling, running round and collecting wagons: the large vehicles make individual actions and operating procedures particularly easy to follow.
Maintain the Track and Wheels
Clean rail heads and wheel surfaces ensure reliable electrical pickup. Ballast, paint and adhesive must not obstruct moving turnout components.
Check Before Construction
Avoid five common 0 gauge mistakes
Underestimating the Space Requirement
Radii, vehicle overhang, edge clearance and access require more space than the track alone.
Selecting Vehicles That Are Too Large
Locomotives and coaches should suit the available radius and usable track lengths.
Confusing 0 Gauge and 0e
The 32 mm standard gauge and 16.5 mm narrow gauge use different track.
Planning Too Much Track
A few accessible and purposeful sidings usually create more credible operation.
Ignoring Storage Requirements
Large models need stable packaging, secure display cases and sufficient transport space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about 0 gauge model railways
Which scale does 0 gauge use?
Continental European models predominantly use a scale of 1:45. A scale of 1:43.5 is also widespread in Britain, while North American O-scale models frequently use 1:48.
How wide is standard 0 gauge track?
Standard-gauge 0 uses a model track gauge of 32 millimetres. Narrow-gauge variants use smaller track gauges.
How does 0 gauge differ from H0?
European 0 gauge usually uses a scale of 1:45 and 32 mm track. H0 uses a scale of 1:87 and 16.5 mm track. 0 gauge vehicles are therefore almost twice the linear size.
How much space does 0 gauge require?
A continuous circuit using a radius of approximately 920 millimetres already requires a diameter of almost 1.84 metres, plus an outer margin. Shunting and shelf layouts do not require a complete circle.
Is 0 gauge suitable for beginners?
Yes. A coordinated starter set makes getting started easier. Space, radius, electrical system and future expansion should be clarified before purchasing.
What is the difference between 0 gauge and 0e?
0 gauge represents standard-gauge railways on 32 mm track. 0e represents narrow-gauge railways at the same scale on 16.5 mm track.
Can 0e vehicles run on H0 track?
Both nominally use a track gauge of 16.5 millimetres. Sleeper spacing, appearance, rail profile, wheelsets, turnouts and power supply must nevertheless be checked.
Is 0 gauge suitable for a shelf layout?
Yes. A terminus, industrial siding or switching puzzle along a wall can provide varied operation without requiring a complete circuit.
Which radius is suitable for 0 gauge?
This depends on the longest vehicle. Compact Lenz layouts can use an R1 radius of approximately 920 millimetres, while large locomotives and coaches benefit from wider curves.
Can 0 gauge be controlled digitally?
Yes. Many models include digital decoders, sound and lighting functions. The command station, protocol and track voltage must suit the vehicle.
Which couplings are used in 0 gauge?
Depending on the manufacturer, models may use automatic couplings, coupling heads with pre-uncoupling, standardised mountings or prototypical screw couplings.
Which trains suit a small 0 gauge layout?
Köf locomotives with short goods wagons, railbuses, tank locomotives, two- or three-coach trains and transfers to an industrial siding are particularly suitable.
Which manufacturers offer 0 gauge models?
Lenz is particularly prominent at Modellbahnshop with vehicles, coaches, wagons, track and accessories. Roco complements the subject with products including 0e models.
Is 0 gauge suitable for the garden?
The models presented here are primarily intended for indoor use. Only systems expressly designed for weather exposure should be used permanently outdoors.
Large models, short trains and genuine shunting operation
Select the layout form and radius first. Locomotives, wagons, track and digital technology can then be combined into a coherent 0 gauge railway.
Content updated: 19 July 2026