subject: Choosing a Scale For Model Trains [print this page] Smaller scales are of course the friendliest in terms of real estate considerations. Arguably the most popular small scale model is the N scale. At 1:160, almost half the size of the HOs, these are extremely efficient models in terms of space. They are actually known to be even more detailed as far as realism is concerned, often modeling their prototypes more closely than the larger models. This is due to the fact that these scale models were introduced later, when the world of model railroading was becoming less of a children's activity to a more serious hobby.