Gauges & Scales Guide
Model railways come in a wide variety of gauges and scales, which can be confusing if you're new to the hobby or if you've inherited a collection and aren't sure what you have. Footplate has put together this guide to explain the most common ones. The good news is: Footplate buys them all. Rich and Derek have experience across every gauge listed here, from tiny Z gauge to full-size live steam.
Z Gauge
The smallest commercially produced gauge, Z gauge (1:220 scale) is popular with collectors who want highly detailed layouts in a very small space. Produced mainly by Märklin and Rokuhan. Footplate is happy to consider Z gauge collections.
N Gauge (1:148 / 1:160)
One of the most popular gauges in the UK and worldwide. UK N gauge runs at 1:148 scale; continental N gauge at 1:160. Key manufacturers include Graham Farish (UK outline) and Fleischmann, Arnold, and Minitrix (European outline). See Footplate's Manufacturers page for more on the brands we deal in.
TT Gauge (1:120)
Sitting between N and HO, TT gauge has seen a significant revival in recent years, particularly with Hornby's TT:120 range launched in 2022. Older TT items from the 1960s–70s are also collectable, and Footplate is interested in both.
HO Gauge (1:87)
The world's most popular model railway scale, particularly in Europe and North America. Key manufacturers include Roco, Fleischmann, Märklin, Piko, and Bachmann (USA). Note: HO and OO share the same track width but differ in scale. Footplate buys both.
OO Gauge (1:76)
By far the most popular gauge in the UK, and the gauge Footplate deals in most frequently. The vast majority of British outline model railways are OO gauge. Key manufacturers include Hornby, Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, and Wrenn. Visit Footplate's Manufacturers page to see the full range of brands Rich and Derek buy.
O Gauge (1:43.5 / 1:48)
A larger, highly detailed scale with a strong following among serious collectors. British O gauge runs at 1:43.5; American at 1:48. Footplate has particular expertise in O gauge, including specialist brass models which can be extremely valuable.
G Gauge / Garden Railway (1:22.5)
Large-scale models designed for outdoor garden railways. Footplate regularly buys G gauge collections from manufacturers including LGB, Aristocraft, and Bachmann. Rich and Derek are experienced with live steam G gauge models too and can assess items from manufacturers such as Roundhouse, Accucraft, Aster, and Regner too.
Gauge 1 (1:32)
A large indoor/outdoor scale with a dedicated following. Footplate buys Gauge 1 items from Märklin, Aster, and various specialist manufacturers, including live steam versions.
Live Steam (2½", 3½", 5", 7¼" Gauge)
These are ride-on or large-scale steam-powered models, often found at model engineering clubs and garden railways. Footplate has extensive experience with live steam, Rich is a regular driver at Foxfield Railway and The Peacock Railway in Nantwich, and will be happy to advise on items.
Not Sure What You Have?
Don't worry, just send Footplate a photo and Rich or Derek will identify it for you. Not sure what it might be worth? Visit Footplate's Advice Centre for guidance on valuations and the selling process, or check our FAQs for quick answers.