Home >> Hobbies >> Model Railroads

What Is the N Scale in Model Railroading?

N scale is the second smallest standardized electric model train scale, fitting between the HO and Z scales. It originated in Europe where limited space inspired its popularity in the 1960s, but has grown in world popularity since the 1970s.

Definition
- In North America, "N scale" refers to a ratio of 1:160, meaning the real object represented by the model is 160 times larger than the replica. The scale is common in model railroading, second only to HO scale in popularity (as of 2010).
Alternate Scale Sizes
- In Great Britain, N scale is standardized as 1:148. Treble-0, or 000 gauge, was an early version of N scale with a 1:152 ratio. It was considered N scale in its time.
Alternate Names
- Technically speaking, the term "N gauge" specifically refers to the model railroad track gauge of 9-mm spacing between rails, whereas N scale refers to the model scale ratio. However, the terms are generally interchangeable in loose conversation.
Origins
- N scale developed in the 1950s on an 8-mm gauge track with push trains made by Lone Star in Britain. The Arnold company issued the first electric N scale train in 1960.
N-TRAK
- N-TRAK is a modular system of N scale railroading in which each participant builds a section of track with a diorama setting independently, then brings his creation to a show and connects to the work of other builders. It was invented by Jim FitzGerald in 1974 and today is practiced around the world.

Model Railroads