H.O.

1) A specific type of model electric train. Known both as H.O. scale and H.O. gauge. The letters come from "Half-O", since H.O. was originally half the size of an O gauge train. The scale of H.O. is 1/67, and its gauge is 16.5mm. H.O. trains are the most popular size in the world.

2) the scale of H.O. trains, which is 1/87. It can eb applied to trains, minitaure figures, or model kits.
1) Jimmy has a set of H.O. trains running in his basement.

The Hobby Shop carries H.O. trains

2) Are those model plains 1/72 or H.O. scale?

This diorama is done to a precise H.O. scale.
by Tom from the Shore November 15, 2007
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Lionel

A term often used to refer to a toy or model train. Lionel is a company that has been making electric trains for over 100 years. Its name has become synonymous with model trains in America. Lionel is often used as a catch-all term for electric trains, whether they are Lionel brand or not. Most of the time, the term refers to the three-rail "O" and "O27" gauge trains. However, it can refer to any model train.
Every holiday season, John has a Lionel running under the Yule tree.

My grandfather used to have Lionels.
by Tom from the Shore November 15, 2007
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Australian Mensa

Group therapy for people who are mentally ill or otherwise mentally incapacitated.
Toots had a nervous breakdown, so every Friday she goes to Australian Mensa.

After the psychiatric ward, the looneys go to Australian Mensa for outpatient care.
by Tom from the Shore October 24, 2007
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Electric Train

1) A toy or model train that is powered by electricity. The most common examples are Lionel type trains and the H.O. trains sold in hobby shops

2) Any real train that is powered by electricity. Power may come from overhead wires, known as a 'catenary system', or through a power "third rail" that runs alongside the regular tracks.
1) Joe went to the hobby shop and bought a set of electric train for the kids.

Lionel makes great electric trains.

2) Electric trains run on the Montclair Line on New Jersey Transit.

The GG1 Locomotive is an example of a powerful electric train
by Tom from the Shore November 15, 2007
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O Gauge

A size of toy or model electric train. O is the size, and gauge refers to the distance between the outer rails. The gauge of the O train is 1 and 1/4 inches. The most prolific maker was Lionel. O gauge also refers to the basic curve of Lionel trains, that being 31 inches in diameter.

We have an O gauge model railway in the basement.

Lionel makes O Gauge, which is larger than H.O.
by Tom from the Shore November 15, 2007
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Australian Think Tank

Psychiatric ward. So called because Australians have a reputation for being goofballs.
Babs had a bout of depression and spent a week in the Australian Think Tank
by Tom from the Shore October 23, 2007
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O27

An older type of toy electric train, so named beccause it was meant to travers a 27 inch diameter curve. Usually sold as a cheaper version of O Gauge, a common train typified by makers such as Lionel. O27 was made by Ives, Lionel, Marx and K-Line. It is still made by Lionel.

O27 has the same gauge (distance bwteen outer rails) as regular O Gauge trains. This distance is 1 and 1/4 inches.
I have one of those Marx O27 sets.

The O27 is not as fancy as O Gauge, but it is a lot of fun!
by Tom from the Shore November 15, 2007
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