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Hello Gary, Bachmann Branchline, Hornby, and others companies manufacturing model railroad equipment based on British prototypes use OO scale (1:76) vs. 1:87 scale, which is HO. This means British OO scale equipment is bigger, although mosr British modelers operate it on HO gauge track. This odd arrangement goes back to the 1930s when electric motors were much bigger and needed more space to fit inside model equipment. Because prototype British equipment is smaller than North American prototype equipment, the larger scale worked toward the Brits' advantage when they made models. OO scale had a larger following at one time too in North America. Not many years afterward, though, HO scale became the most popular in North America, while OO scale remained the most popular in Great Britain. However, many British modelers adopted the use of HO gauge track, which is 16.5mm wide, rather than OO gauge, which would be slightly wider at 18mm. Some British modelers do prefer 18mm gauge, and call the result EM scale. You should have no problems operating OO scale equipment with North American power supplies. The motors handle a nominal 12 volts DC, just like their North American counterparts. The equipment will look a little larger however. Hope this helps, Paul Schmidt Contributing Editor Trains.com
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