OO Gauge Railway

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OO gauge and why is it the most popular model railway scale in the UK?

OO gauge is modelled at 1:76 scale with 16.5mm rail spacing and is by far the most popular model railway scale in the UK. Its dominance is largely historical — it became the British standard post-war and has been supported by Hornby and Bachmann ever since. This popularity means OO gauge has the widest range of locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, track, and accessories of any UK scale. Whether you're a beginner or expert, OO gauge offers unmatched choice. Explore our comprehensive OO gauge railway collection.

What OO gauge starter sets are available for beginners?

OO gauge starter sets from Hornby and Bachmann are the most popular for beginners. These sets include a locomotive, coaches or wagons, an oval of track, and a controller — everything to get running on day one. Hornby offers themed branded sets while Bachmann's starter sets offer outstanding value and quality. Prices typically range from £60 to £150. Browse our OO gauge collection and Hornby range at Access Models for current starter set availability.

What track systems are compatible with OO gauge?

The main OO gauge track systems are Hornby (sectional track with wide availability), Bachmann EZ Track (with integrated roadbed), and Peco (the professional choice for permanent baseboards). All three systems use 16.5mm gauge track and are compatible with any standard OO gauge rolling stock. Peco offers the widest variety of points, crossings, and flexible track. All three brands' track can be mixed on the same layout with adapters where needed. Access Models stocks OO gauge track — browse our OO gauge range.

Can I run DCC (digital command control) on my OO gauge layout?

Yes — DCC is the modern digital standard for OO gauge and is widely supported. Most current OO gauge locomotives are DCC Ready (with a socket for decoder plug-in) or DCC Fitted (decoder pre-installed). DCC allows you to independently control multiple trains on the same track, with realistic lighting and even sound on compatible models. DCC Sound models feature pre-recorded engine noises, whistles, and brake squeal. Access Models stocks DCC-fitted and DCC-ready models — check our OO gauge collection for specifications.

What is the difference between OO gauge and HO gauge?

OO gauge (1:76 scale) and HO gauge (1:87 scale) both use 16.5mm track, meaning locomotives from either scale can technically run on the other's track. However, OO models are slightly larger than HO equivalents. In the UK, OO gauge dominates; HO is standard in Europe and North America. British prototype models (Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol) are almost exclusively produced in OO gauge, so for modelling British railways, OO is always the correct choice. Browse our full OO gauge railway range.