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Can you run UK OO gauge locos on standard US HO gauge track?

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  • Member since
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Can you run UK OO gauge locos on standard US HO gauge track?
Posted by philo426 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 7:55 PM

Can you run OO locos on standard HO gauge track?

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Posted by Da Stumer on Thursday, July 30, 2020 8:56 PM

Yeah, UK OO is the same gauge as HO.

-Peter. Mantua collector, 3D printing enthusiast, Korail modeler.

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Posted by philo426 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:02 PM

Cool I was checking out a YouTube channel called Sam's Trains out of the UK and he is well heeled ...has an extensive collection of trains but they run on the carpeted floor.Might have to check out Oxford brand locos on the Bay!

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Posted by xboxtravis7992 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:34 PM

Not only that, but UK trains to my knowledge use the same electronic systems as American market trains following NMRA standards. So your DC or DCC system should be compatible right out of the box with any OO scale equipment! 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 11:12 PM

I can confirm that OO scale DC trains run just fine on Kato HO scale unitrack with the Kato controller.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by philo426 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 11:46 PM

Nice!green light given!

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Posted by Overmod on Friday, July 31, 2020 12:06 AM

Be aware, though, that while track gauge is the same (by definition) other things of potential concern are not, like interference on parallel curves or clearance to structures.  This may sound obvious, but if you know a given prototype built in HO (to NMRA standards) fits, there is no guarantee a larger OO version will.  You can get an introduction from this NMRA standard S-1 page download here.

https://nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-1.pdf

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Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, July 31, 2020 5:23 AM

Overmod
Be aware, though, that while track gauge is the same (by definition) other things of potential concern are not, like interference on parallel curves or clearance to structures.

As the prototypical British loading gauge is far more restricted than the generous US loading gauge, there should be no difficulties running UK OO on an HO layout.
 
At the Club we have a “British” OO layout and an HO “American” layout and the only clearance issues is with the steam chests of the larger US steam locomotives catching on the “British” OO station platforms.
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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