| One of the major advantages of N scale trains is the | | | | compatible between manufacturers because of the |
| fact that they take up less space than HO models. | | | | standard 9 mm track rails, wheels and tracks can |
| This enables longer track runs in the same amount of | | | | actually vary slightly. There are two standards for N |
| space because the models are nearly 50% smaller | | | | scale models - the MOROP in Europe, and the NMRA |
| than HO scale models. | | | | in North America. These make standards for elements |
| Although they are quite small, the N scale trains are | | | | such as scale ratio, couplings, track gauge, and |
| not the smallest. Z scale model trains are 1:220 scale, | | | | electrical power similar, but they won't always be |
| and T scale trains are a minuscule 1:450! N scale is | | | | perfectly compatible. |
| more popular than their smaller counterparts because | | | | Scale and Gauge |
| they are still large enough to work with easily, and it is | | | | In the United States and Europe, standard gauge N |
| also compatible with the 1:144 scale that is typically | | | | scale models are built specifically to 1:160 scale. They |
| used for miniature war gaming. | | | | are made to run on N gauge track. But in some |
| Trains of this scale were in existence as early as 1927, | | | | countries, there are variants of the N scale. For |
| but it wasn't until 1962 that the Arnold company of | | | | example, in the UK, a 1:148 scale is commonly used for |
| Nuremberg started producing them commercially. | | | | commercially produced N scale models. They will still |
| Other scales and gauges had been popular standards | | | | run on the standard 9 mm N gauge track, but eh track |
| for many years, but they were never standardized. | | | | would be slightly to narrow. |
| Within two years of its release, manufacturers began | | | | In Japan, they still use the standard 9 mm N gauge |
| to define the gauge, voltage, and the height and type | | | | track, but they use a 1:150 scale model for the trains. |
| of couplers used in N gauge models. | | | | This represents the narrow railways that are common |
| Popularity | | | | in Japan. Some models, such as Shinkansen models |
| The N scale is actually the second most popular | | | | are constructed to a scale of 1:160, so they don't sit |
| gauge. It is second in popularity only to the HO scale. In | | | | well together. |
| Japan, the N scale is the most popular scale because | | | | Space Requirements |
| homes there are much smaller. | | | | N scale model trains are perfect for the home |
| N scale models aren't useful only in homes with limited | | | | hobbyist who has little space or who wants to build |
| space, though. Some people prefer to use N scale | | | | expansive scenes, but you must be aware that not all |
| models because they can build more detailed and | | | | parts will be completely compatible. You should be able |
| complex scenes in the same amount of space. | | | | to get most pieces to work together, but just be |
| Compatibility | | | | prepared to make a few adjustments to cover for |
| While N scale models are generally somewhat | | | | these slight discrepancies. |