The HO train is the most popular type of model train in the world. Thats because its considered and excellent middle ground between size and level of detail.

When looking at the various sizes of model trains the HO scale train stands out over smaller model trains for several reasons. The size is easily handled by smaller children and the larger pieces are not likely to be swallowed by younger kids. This makes it a much safer choice while still being easy to handle by smaller hands. Thinking of the enjoyment of different age groups playing with the train set makes the ho scale a good fit for everyone.

Another advantage of the HO train over smaller trains is the level of detail that it allows. Because its relative larger size, its easier for both manufacturers and owners to decorate the trains and give them more details to make them look even more like their real counterparts. In addition, less specialized tools are required to fix them, assemble them and paint them. Audiences can also see those details better than in smaller scales, which makes them more attractive to the public.

Another advantage of the ho scale is its easier to product by manufacturers and that makes them cheaper to buy. They are also more readily available.

On the other hand, an HO train is preferred over bigger trains because it needs much less space in order to run a more or less elaborate track layout. While an HO train layout can be set in a part of a room, larger scales require a big room or a garden to have a decent track run.

Larger trains require more material to product while the price increase is not much greater. The ho scale train takes about the same amount of manufacturing labor and less material making it a much more affordable set.

The large production numbers bring the price down to cheaper levels making it a good choice for consumers. Its high demand and popularity give it a much broader appeal.

Of course, price also depends a lot of the manufacturer, the quality and the model of the train too, so its a good idea to compare.

Many wonder where the term HO comes from. It is half the size of an O scale train and for years has been called HO.

Baby Showers are such an exciting time for Mums-To-Be and the best part about the special day is “Present Time”. Everyone paws over the tiny clothes, remembering just how small a newborn is.

So what do you get for a baby shower present? Well, I have noticed that when the mum-to-be opens up something hand made, it almost always gets the biggest reaction! You see all baby presents are welcomed and appreciated, but when something unique is made just for your baby ” it makes you feel REALLY special.

You’ll also get special mention for a long time after the baby is born. “Aunt Tracey made this blankie especially for you”.

If you can sew a straight line – You CAN do this. It’s really easy and here I have listed a step-by-step outline to making a cute blankie.

HAND-MADE BLANKIES!

STEP 1: Go to the nearest shop (eg. Spotlight or Lincraft) and look for flannelette fabric

STEP 3: Pick out 2 fabrics that you like for either side of the blankie. Get creative and mix and match. If you don’t know what sex the baby is, then maybe do one side pink pattern and the other a blue pattern.

STEP 3: You want to ask for 1.2 metres for each piece of material

STEP 4: When you get home sit down at a flat table and start pinning the material together. Make sure the pattern is facing inwards.

STEP 5: Sew straight lines around all the edges leaving a 10cm hole on one side.

STEP 6: Turn the fabric inside out.

STEP 7: Tuck the fabric in around the hole so it looks like the rest of the blankie.

STEP 8: Flatten out the edges and sew 2 straight lines around the whole blankie. This closes the gap and makes a nice border around the ends.

If youre a bit more experienced or brave then experiment with different border stitching.

STEP 9: Roll up your blankie and wrap it. Add an extra note stating it was “Handmade by You”

STEP 10: Wait for present time, where you’ll see the impact of you putting your time and love into making something special for a little special person!