Australian vs. British Model Trains: Key Differences

Discover what sets these rail traditions apart and find your perfect track

At Hearns Hobbies, we've seen plenty of confused collectors scratch their heads over the differences. Some blokes think a train's just a train, but trust us—the devil's in the details!

This article breaks down all the technical stuff between Aussie and British model trains, including those confusing scale ratios like HO vs. OO, whether tracks work together, the different types of engines each country favours, and how these differences affect the way your railway looks and runs. We reckon this guide will sort you out whether you're just starting your first layout or you've been building railways since forever.

Australian vs. British Model Trains at a Glance
Scale Differences	British trains use OO scale (1:76), while Australian models are typically HO scale (1:87)
Track Compatibility	Both use 16.5mm track gauge, allowing technical compatibility but with visual proportion differences
Locomotive Design	British models feature narrower profiles and steam heritage; Australian models focus on bulkier diesel power
Layout Style	British layouts tend towards compact urban scenes; Australian layouts emphasise wide open spaces and long mainlines
Popular Collections	Browse our Australian railways and British passenger trains

Understanding Scale: HO vs. OO

The most obvious difference between Australian and British model trains is scale. While they might look similar at a quick glance, these two railway traditions have gone down separate tracks when it comes to sizing.

British models are mostly OO scale (1:76), which is a bit of an odd duck in the global model railway pond. This scale came about years ago when manufacturers couldn't squeeze motors into anything smaller. It's a funny compromise—the train bodies are built at 1:76 scale, but they run on HO-scale (1:87) track. This creates about a 12.4% difference between how wide the tracks should be and how wide they actually are. Not perfect, but British modellers have gotten used to it!

Australian models prefer HO scale (1:87), which is what most of the world uses—including the US, Europe and Asia. This scale gives ya more accurate proportions, especially for the big diesel locomotives that dominate Australia's real railways. Many Aussie modellers stick with HO because it's easier to find parts and accessories from international suppliers.

Ya can check out top examples in our Australian locomotives section or browse our HO British engines if you're after something different.

Alternative British Scales

Some serious British railway modellers aren't satisfied with OO's compromise and have developed alternative scales:

• EM Gauge – Keeps the 1:76 scale bodies but uses wider 18.2mm track for better realism
• P4/S4 – For the absolute purists, uses perfect 18.83mm track to match real-world proportions
• N Scale UK – Smaller at 1:148 ratio (compared to international 1:160) to better suit British train types
• TT:120 – A newer scale from Peco launched in 2022 with correct scale-to-gauge ratio

For those wanting to explore even smaller scales, our N scale trains collection offers excellent options for space-conscious hobbyists.

Track Compatibility & Operational Impact

Here's where things get interesting—despite their different scales, both OO and HO models use the same 16.5mm gauge track. This means you can technically run British and Australian trains on the same layout, but there's a catch.

When mixing OO and HO rolling stock on the same layout, remember that the size difference will be noticeable—especially when trains pass each other or stand next to buildings scaled for one system or the other.

The difference is sorta like having a slightly oversized character in a video game—everything works, but something looks a bit off. Most serious modellers stick to one standard per layout for a consistent look, though some enjoy the flexibility of running whatever catches their fancy.

To get your trackwork right from the start, have a squiz at our track accessories and layout construction sections for everything you'll need.

Technical Detail	OO Scale (British)	HO Scale (Australian)
Scale Ratio	1:76	1:87
Track Gauge	16.5mm	16.5mm
Size Compared to Each Other	~14% larger than HO	~12% smaller than OO
Minimum Recommended Curve Radius	438mm	457mm

For mixed layouts, consider using universal track systems that work well with both scales—just be mindful of the visual differences when planning your scenery.

Prototype Design: Locomotives and Rolling Stock

One look at British and Australian model trains side by side, and you'll spot the differences straight away—they just look different!

British Models

British trains reflect the UK's long railway history and cramped island geography:

• Steam-heavy heritage: The UK was the birthplace of railways, and British models celebrate this with a huge range of steam locomotives
• Narrow loading gauge: Real UK trains are skinnier due to narrower tunnels and platforms, and the models reflect this
• Complex liveries: From British Railways green to modern franchise colours, UK trains often feature elaborate paint schemes

Popular British models include famous locos like the Flying Scotsman, Mallard, or the modern Class 37 diesels. Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller layouts—great if you're living in an apartment or have limited space. Have a look at our full British passenger collection for inspiration.

Australian Models

Australian trains couldn't be more different—they're built for a sunburnt country of vast distances:

• Diesel dominance: Most Aussie models represent diesel-electric locomotives built for long-haul service
• American influence: Many Australian prototypes were inspired by US designs, with bulkier profiles and higher horsepower
• Rugged practicality: Aussie trains are built tough for challenging conditions, with less emphasis on ornate decoration

Our Australian diesel collection showcases the powerful locos that haul iron ore through the Pilbara or grain across the Nullarbor. For the full experience, pair them with authentic freight wagons or passenger carriages to complete your Aussie railway.

Layout & Scenery Styles

Your choice between British and Australian trains naturally leads to different layout styles—each reflecting the character of the real-world railways they're based on.

British Layouts

Pommie layouts tend to be:

• Compact and detailed: Think village stations, urban terminals, and industrial sidings
• Operationally intensive: Lots of points (switches), signals, and complex shunting operations
• Architecture-focused: Station buildings, terraced houses, and period details are central features
• Curve-friendly: British prototypes handle tighter curves well, making them suitable for smaller spaces

For British-style layouts, you'll want plenty of buildings and structures to create that dense, lived-in feel characteristic of the UK countryside or urban centres.

Australian Layouts

Aussie layouts go big:

• Long mainlines: Straight runs dominate, often with minimal curvature
• Open spaces: Wide horizons with sparse landscape features
• Distance-oriented: Trains that travel from "somewhere to somewhere else"
• Space-hungry: Typically requires more room to achieve the right look and operation

If you're building an Australian layout, invest in quality scenery materials that can recreate our unique landscapes—from outback red dirt to coastal eucalypt forests.

Model Standards and Historical Context

The quirks of British and Australian model railways didn't just happen—they're rooted in real-world history and technical compromises.

British model railways are a product of the UK's pioneering rail heritage—they were inventing the hobby as they went along! When British manufacturers started making OO scale models in the 1920s and 30s, they couldn't fit the motors of the day into proper 1:87 bodies, so they compromised by making the models about 14% larger while keeping the track the same. This hack has stuck around for nearly a century, becoming the established British standard.

Australian model railways took a different path. Without a strong domestic manufacturing tradition early on, Australia imported models from various countries and eventually aligned with international HO standards. This made sense given that many Australian locomotives were already inspired by American designs, which were well-represented in HO scale.

For historically accurate models, explore our heritage train collection which includes replicas from significant eras in both countries' railway development.

Digital and Control Systems

Modern model railways have gone digital, and both British and Australian modellers have embraced this tech revolution—though with a few differences in approach.

Control System Feature	British Approach	Australian Approach
Preferred Standards	Hornby RailMaster, MERG, DCC	NMRA DCC standards
Factory Options	Often DCC-ready or DCC-fitted	Mix of DC and DCC-ready
Sound Integration	Growing but less common	More widely adopted

Australian modellers generally lean towards the North American NMRA standards for digital control, while British hobbyists might use Hornby's own systems or European standards. The good news? Most DCC systems are compatible across brands these days, so you're not locked in.

Want to upgrade your control system? Check out our digital controllers section for the latest tech that works with both British and Australian models.

Getting Started: What Should You Buy?

Not sure whether to go British or Aussie for your model railway? Here's a quick guide to help ya decide:

Go British if you:

• Have limited space
• Love steam locomotives and heritage
• Enjoy complex shunting operations
• Prefer detailed urban scenery

Go Australian if you:

• Have more room to build
• Prefer modern diesel power
• Enjoy long mainline running
• Want to model wide-open spaces

Either way, your best first purchase is a complete starter set that includes everything you need to get rolling. Our train starter sets come with track, power supply, and your first locomotive and wagons—perfect for beginners!

If you already know your preference, you might want to check out our locomotive and rolling stock bundles for a value-packed way to expand quickly.

Still can't decide? No worries! Our team is always happy to chat about the perfect railway for your interests and space. Contact us for personalised recommendations, or browse our model railway blog for inspiration and tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to the compact charm of British railways or the rugged expanse of Australian lines, both traditions offer rich modelling experiences with their own unique characteristics. The differences in scale, locomotive design, and operational style reflect the railways' real-world heritage and the distinct landscapes they serve.

At the end of the day, the "better" choice comes down to your personal interests, available space, and the kind of railway experience you want to create. Some blokes even enjoy mixing elements from both traditions—building what appeals to them rather than strictly following prototype practices.