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What Is N Scale?

In model railroading, there's a difference between N scale (the size of the model in proportion to the real-world prototype) and N gauge (referring to the spacing between the track rails). Because train makers couldn't make trains to fit just any track brand, they produced their own trains and tracks using a system of gauges and scales. Understanding a model railroad's scale and gauge is important for layout planning.

Size
- All model train scales are measured as ratios as compared to a life-sized train. For N scale, the ratio is 1:148 to 1:160, though 1:160 is the usual size for the train cars and the scenery elements. In other words, 1 foot in N scale equals 160 feet in real life. So, the train cars and scenery components (buildings, trees and people) are 1/160th the size of their real-life counterparts. N gauge comes into play in track measurements. N-gauge tracks measure 9 mm between the rails. In this case, the N stands for the number nine.
Significance
- N-scale trains are small trains sets, approximately half the size of HO scale (1:87), which is roughly half the size of Lionel O-Scale (1:48). N scale's advantage over larger scales is that an entire layout can be constructed in a much smaller space. According to North Virginia NTRAK, because more scenery can be applied to the N-scale layouts, it creates a "more true-to-life look." The layouts are also more portable than larger scales.
History
- N-scale trains have only been around since the 1960s, compared to the O-gauge and HO trains, which have been around for about a hundred years. Today, the United States and most of Europe run mostly 1:160 gauge trains. England runs the 1:148 and Japan operates 1:150 gauge for most trains and 1:160 for the model bullet trains. The small size allows for close-up viewing and long trains--up to 100 cars.
Features
- N-scale trains are generally powered by a maximum 12-volt DC transformers. Traditionally, the amount of voltage applied to the rails determined the train's speed while the polarity applied to the tracks (positive or negative) established the train's direction (forward or reverse). Nowadays, model train operators and clubs are switching to Digital Command Control (DCC) for regulating speed and direction. NTRAK, an N-gauge train club created in California in 1973, developed a standardized modular layout system that allows N-gauge train enthusiasts to attach their modules and run their trains on any N-gauge train layout in the United States.
Considerations
- N-scale trains work well for hobbyists who want an abundance of scenery but have space constraints. Model train enthusiasts who fancy running more than one train on a layout will also appreciate this size. The modules, endorsed by NTRAK, allow novices to the model train hobby to start small and expand later, depending on their space, money and experience.

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