TT120 Gauge Modelling

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Description
TT:120 (Tabletop 1:120 scale) is a railway modelling scale that has gained popularity as a midway option between OO (1:76) and N gauge (1:160). It is particularly growing in the UK, thanks to Hornby’s new TT:120 range, offering an alternative for modellers who want more detail than N gauge but require less space than OO gauge.

Key Features of TT:120

Scale: 1:120 (10mm to 1ft).
Track Gauge: 12mm (narrower than OO but wider than N gauge).
Compact & Realistic: Trains are more detailed than N gauge but fit in smaller spaces than OO.
More Prototypically Accurate than OO: Unlike OO gauge, which runs on slightly incorrect track width, TT:120 accurately represents standard gauge railways.
Growing Range of Ready-to-Run Models: Companies like Hornby, Tillig, Piko, and Roco produce locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.

Advantages of TT:120 Modelling

✅ Ideal balance between size and detail – More realistic proportions than OO but smaller than N.

✅ More space-efficient than OO gauge, allowing for longer trains and more scenic detail.

✅ Accurate track gauge representation compared to the slightly oversized OO track.

✅ Expanding range of models – Especially with Hornby TT:120 bringing British railway stock to the market.

Disadvantages

❌ Less established in the UK compared to OO and N gauge, so fewer products are available (though this is changing).

❌ Limited manufacturer support outside of Hornby and some European brands like Tillig.

TT:120 Layout Ideas

1. Small Layouts (3ft x 5ft or shelf layouts)

End-to-End Branch Line – A rural setting with a small station and goods yard.
Industrial or Freight Yard – Compact track design with sidings and shunting potential.
Urban Tram or Light Railway – Featuring small trams or local passenger services.

2. Medium Layouts (4ft x 8ft or similar)

Double-Track Mainline – Perfect for running express and commuter trains.
Heritage Steam Railway – A small preserved railway with a station, sheds, and scenic countryside.
Dockside or Harbour Scene – Incorporating cargo trains, warehouses, and cranes

3. Large Layouts (6ft x 12ft or bigger)

Multi-Level Railway with Viaducts & Tunnels – For a scenic and operationally interesting layout.
Busy Mainline with Express & Freight Trains – Multiple tracks, sidings, and a large station.
Cross-Country Route with Bridges & Hills – Ideal for showcasing long, detailed TT:120 trains.

Recommended TT:120 Products

1. Starter Sets & Locomotives

Hornby TT:120 Starter Sets – Great for British modellers, including LNER, LMS, and GWR sets.
Tillig TT Locos & Rolling Stock – Excellent for European railway themes.
Piko & Roco TT Scale Models – Modern and vintage European-style trains.

2. Track Systems

Hornby TT:120 Track – Designed for easy setup, with flexible track options.
Tillig Elite TT Track – Highly realistic European-style track.
Peco TT Track (Coming Soon) – Expected to expand UK track options.

3. Buildings & Accessories

Hornby TT:120 Buildings – Ready-made UK railway structures.
Vollmer & Faller TT Scale Kits – European-style stations, houses, and scenery.
Woodland Scenic & Busch – Universal scenic materials for trees, grass, and ballast.

Who is TT:120 Best For?

• Modellers with limited space who want more detail than N gauge but can’t fit OO gauge layouts.

• British railway enthusiasts looking for a more accurate alternative to OO gauge.

• European railway modellers, as TT scale has been more popular in Germany and Eastern Europe.

• Newcomers to model railways, since Hornby TT:120 is offering easy-to-use starter sets.