N Gauge Model Railways

HISTORY:
Although trains and accessories of similar gauge and/or scale existed as early as 1927, modern commercially produced N scale models were first launched by the Arnold Company of Nuremberg in 1962. Unlike other scales and gauges, which were de facto standards at best, within two years N scale manufacturers defined the gauge and voltage, as well as the height and type of couplers.

COMPARISON TO OTHER SCALES:

N scale has a large worldwide following. Models are made of very many standard gauge prototypes from every continent. N scale's popularity is second only to that of HO. In Japan, where space in homes is more limited, N scale is the most popular scale, and HO scale is considered large.

Not all modellers select N because they have small spaces; some use N scale to build more complex or more visually expansive models. With living spaces and spare rooms becoming smaller and smaller it is likely that N scale will eventually overtake HO scale in popularity as HO Scale did with O scale.

COSTS:
These days there is little price difference between N gauge and HO gauge stock. N gauge stock is widely available, but hobby shops are not always present in all areas. There are many online stores that offer good to reasonable prices for N scale model trains and accessories.
N Scale allows you to experiment on DIY scenery, allowing you to start with simple things like trees, grasslands, lakes, etc. The raw materials can save you lots of money and will bring out your creative side.

FINAL WORD:
The MAJOR advantage of N scale is that it allows hobbyists to build layouts that take up less space, can run longer trains, or put longer track runs into the same amount of space, because the models are smaller (by nearly a half) than they are in HO scale (1∶87). While N scale is quite small at 1:144 to 1:160, it is not the smallest commercially available scale, as Z scale is smaller yet at 1∶220 and T scale is 1∶450 or 1∶480. N scale is considered generally compatible with 1∶144 scale for miniature war gaming.

N GAUGE MODEL RAILWAY SUPPLIERS: