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N Gauge Model Railroading FAQ

N scale model railroads have become increasingly popular since the 1960s. Their relatively small size allows for more trains in less space and, generally speaking, the engines, rolling stock, track and accessories are cheaper than larger or more exotic scales.

History
- While some N scale toy trains may have been available as early as 1927, the N scale electric train hobby really started to take off in 1960 when the Arnold company of Germany introduced the Rapido 200 at a Nuremberg train show. Soon, other manufacturers, like Trix, Riverossi, Lima and Lone Star, began manufacturing N scale products.
Variations in Scale
- Officially, N scale is proportioned at a ratio of 1:160, meaning the real-life objects are 160 times larger than the models. The track is a uniform 9 mm, and the "N" in N scale stands for "neun," the German word for the number nine. Some variations exist, however, especially in older trains. 1:150 appears occasionally in Japan, and 1:152 and 1:148 sometimes appear in Great Britain.
Popularity and Size
- N scale is the second most popular train scale after HO scale. The main advantage of the small scale is the ability to pack more trains and scenery into a small space. For that reason, N scale is most popular in places like Japan and Europe where living space is at a premium.
NTRAK
- NTRAK is a modular railroading society formed in 1974 in California by Ben Davis in conjunction with the Belmont Shore RR Club. Members build modular NTRAK units to precise specifications, and at shows and meetings members can hook up modular units to create a lengthy and unique layout each time. NTRAK is an international society and often modelers have never met one another before they gather at events.

Model Railroads