• Track plans HO scale

Fine HO scale track plans for free!

Looking for HO track plan ideas? Here you are! Select your preferred size or use the short description as a guide. For details and downloads click the links. More plans to come!

4 x 8 track plans:

Thumb 4x8 HO model train layout

4×8 HO model train layout

Long model trains, busy traffic and nice shunting operations: See what is possible in HO on 4′ x 8′!
More: 4×8 HO model train layouts

Thumb 4x8 HO scale track plans

4×8 HO track plan “Junction station”

A huge urban station, realized with Märklin HO tracks. And a smart trick to manage gradient issues!
More: 4×8 HO scale track plans

Thumb HO gauge train layouts

“In the mountains”

High mountains, deep valleys and lots of bridges! I puzzled this picturesque HO gauge train layout on 8×4.
More: HO gauge train layouts

4 x 6 track plans:

thumb HO model train layouts 4x6

4×6 track plan HO for beginners

Easy to build, compact size. But you will enjoy a lot of train operations. Realized for Märklin HO (“C tracks”)
More: 4 x 6 HO layout

3 x 6 track plans:

thumb 3x6 HO layout

3×6 track plan HO scale

If you think it’s impossible to create an exciting HO layout on a compact 3′ x 6′ baseboard, then see this track plan idea!
More: 3 x 6 HO layout

Thumb HO scale switching layout

Shunt like a champion!

An industrial setting on 3′ x 6′ baseboard with timesaver & inglenook!
More: HO scale switching layout

Small HO track plans:

Thumb small HO layouts

3′ x 4′ HO track plans

A nice & small 3×4 track plan in 2 versions: One for advanced model railroaders and one for beginners!
More: Small HO layouts

About HO scale

The distance between the left and the right rail is 16.5 mm. This corresponds to approx. 0.650 inches. The scale of HO buildings, rolling stock and other HO accessories is 1:87.

Deviations are possible, depending on whether the standard gauge or a narrow gauge of the prototype is reproduced as a model.

HO is not widely used in Great Britain. Instead, OO gauge is popular there with a slightly smaller scale (= 1:76).

The beginnings of HO scale model trains date back to the last century before World War II. At that time, O gauge was dominant with a distance of 32 mm between the left and right rail. This corresponds to about 1.25 ” (=inch).

Over time, however, 0 gauge was regarded as too big for model railroading at home. So the net distance of 32 mm was roughly halved, resulting in 16.5 mm.

The German spelling still is “H0”, an abbreviation meaning “Halb Null” (= half of the number zero). English speaking countries often spell it as “HO”, using the letter “O” instead of the number “0”. But don’t get confused. H0 or HO means the same.

2-rail tracks or 3-rail tracks?

That’s the question if you are into HO. Because these are two different systems that usually cannot be combined without modifications. Both systems are popular, both systems have advantages and disadvantages, both systems have lovers and haters.

  • 3-rail tracksystem:

    A third rail is located in the middle of the track bed between the left and the right rail. This middle track serves as positive pole. It can be designed either as a third rail or as contact points. The outer rails serve as negative pole each. 3-rail systems typically use AC power.

    • Advantage: No extra electrical wiring necessary for HO track plans with reversing loops
    • Disadvantage: Many consider a third rail in the middle of the track bed track not to be prototypical

  • 2-rail tracksystem:

    This system consists of two parallel rails. One serves as positive pole, the other rail as a negative pole. 2-rail systems typically use DC power.

    • Advantage: It is considered more prototypical
    • Disadvantage: Reverse loops must be wired separately, otherwise a short circuit occurs

So you have to make a fundamental decision. This applies not only to tracks, but also to locomotives and electrical issues. Märklin HO in particular is based on the 3-wire track system.

About Märklin HO

The German manufacturer Märklin has a passionate fan communitiy and is well known all over the world. In particular vintage Märklin material is strongly sought after, fetching high prices on the market.

Why should I opt for HO track plans?

  • Very popular

    HO gauge is very popular all over the world

  • Excellent Details

    Building a HO layout gives better attention to detail than smaller scales

  • Get old in peace

    In contrast to HO, smaller gauges could become a problem for hand and eyes

  • Robust

    HO models are more robust than smaller gauges.

  • Perfect for clubs or exhibitions

    You should consider this if you want to show your model railroad layout in public

  • Huge HO supplies

    HO model trains benefit from the best supply on the market. Tracks, engines, cars, buildings, landscaping, HO accessories: You get eyerything

HO scale disadvantages

  • Compatibility issues

    Yeah, this 2-rail vs. 3-rail issue sucks

  • Space requirement

    For small apartments you should consider a smaller gauge like N scale

HO scale manufacturers

If you are new into HO scale model railroading, here’s a list with well known manufacturers in alphabetical order. It’s only a small selection, including the country where the company was founded. Keep in mind that some brands meanwhile may have new owners in other countries. Some companies do not offer tracks or rolling stock. Instead, they are specialized in HO scale accessories like buildings, bridges, signals or digital control.

HO scale is too big for you?

Look here for N scale plans