How to buy continental and American HO in the UK
Most UK model shops focus on British OO, but several stock HO. Here's where to look and what to check.
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Varies
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
Step by step
-
Step 1: Know what you're looking for
Be clear on the railway, epoch and system (2-rail DC, Märklin 3-rail AC, analogue or digital) before you shop.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Try UK shops with HO sections
UK retailers that list HO include Rails of Sheffield, Harburn Hobbies (Edinburgh and Beer, Devon), Gaugemaster, Osborns Models, Coastal DCC and, for Kato HO and Unitrack, Traintrax. Check current stock on their websites.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Use Peco track for 2-rail HO
Peco's OO/HO Streamline and Setrack are the same 16.5 mm gauge and widely stocked in the UK; Peco also makes HO code 83 for North American layouts.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Visit exhibitions
Big UK shows such as the National Festival of Railway Modelling (NEC Birmingham) and Model Rail Scotland have many traders. Societies such as the NMRA British Region often offer members discounts with UK shops.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Buying from abroad
European and American shops sell HO too, but check delivery costs, import charges and the returns process before you order.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Check after-sales help
A shop that knows HO can advise on compatible track, couplers and decoders.
Tips
- Ask whether a model is the AC (Märklin) or DC version — continental makers often sell both.
Questions people ask
Why is HO harder to find in the UK?
OO is the UK's main scale, so most shops stock mostly British outline.
Is there a UK American-outline society?
Yes — the NMRA British Region covers the UK and Ireland.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Rails of Sheffield (railsofsheffield.com)
- Harburn Hobbies (harburnhobbies.co.uk)
- Gaugemaster (gaugemasterretail.com)
- Traintrax (Kato specialist) (traintrax.co.uk)
- Peco: Streamline track range (peco-uk.com)
- NMRA British Region (nmrabr.org.uk)
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Printed from locoho.co.uk/guides/how-to-buy-continental-and-american-ho-in-the-uk/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your trains, track, controllers and decoders.