subject: Need Space For Your Model Railroad? Try N Scale Trains! [print this page] Need Space For Your Model Railroad? Try N Scale Trains!
The "N" scale model train is one of the smallest available. These model trains are the most popular of the small scale trains. N scale varies depending upon where you are in the world. In the UK it's 1:148, it is 1:150 in Japan, and 1:160 in other parts of the world. The first commercially available 1:160 version was developed in Germany in the 1960s. A model of a 2-6-6-2 locomotive in N scale is about the length of a lead pencil!
All N scale trains operate on 9mm gauge track.
N scale is about 1/2 the size of HO scale trains. So you can fit about twice as much N scale track as HO in the same space. At the other extreme, there are N scale layouts built in a shoebox!
This is a fascinating way to create your own worlds.
Imagine getting together with some other N scale modelers - you can create a wide variety of layouts, based on shoebox sized scenes! And of course, when you are done for the day, you can store your shoebox railway in the closet!
N scale equipment is made by all the major model train manufacturers, including Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Bowser and others. Track, electrical controls, buildings, structures and accessories are all available from a wide variety of suppliers. Finding the supplies and equipment to replicate an older or existing railway line may take some searching, however, there are many models that have been made over the years.
N scale model trains offer more choices in the exciting world of model trains. There is a lot more you can fit in the same space with N scale, that's for sure!
