| Getting involved with model trains is just like any other | | | | Many people are familiar with HO, think of the N scale |
| hobby and when you first start you are exposed to | | | | trains to be about half the size of HO. In real terms HO |
| terms and technical information that you've never | | | | has a ratio of 1:87. There are many reasons for |
| heard of at worse or maybe just really never knew | | | | choosing an N scale, foremost being the amount of |
| what they meant, kind of like scales and gauges. As | | | | space you have for your track and scenery layout. |
| you dive further into model trains you might think that it | | | | Ironically N scale model trains sets seem to have more |
| would be impossible for you to build your own layout, | | | | detail in the N locomotives and cars than some of the |
| scenery included! I can assure you, it doesn't matter | | | | other sizes but it all depends on manufacturer. There's |
| what you think in the beginning because if you stick it | | | | almost a magic that happens with the smaller sizes it's |
| out your knowledge and understanding of the terms | | | | easier to set up a more involved layout and it's easier |
| and techniques in the model train world will grow along | | | | to add more track, cars and engines at a latter date. |
| with your confidence in your abilities. | | | | One more factor to consider is that the smaller rail size |
| Starting out with model trains usually starts with a vivid | | | | and smaller cars somehow create a more real effect |
| imagination, the model train enthusiast imagines the | | | | when it comes to scenery, all in all, the entire n scale |
| perfect train running through the perfect scenery, | | | | model trains layouts has a more realistic effect! |
| constantly thinking of one thing, size! The situation can | | | | N scale model train sets are a relatively new comer to |
| get a little complicated because there are many | | | | the model train world considering O scale, HO scale |
| manufacturers involved in the manufacturing of trains | | | | and the standard scale have been in existence for |
| and train track. In this case choice is a good thing | | | | close to a century. It's easy to remember what N |
| because you can find the ideal train size for the space | | | | scale stands for because it has a gauge of 9mm |
| you have available. Scale and gauge are concepts | | | | between rails, so remember N= nine millimeters. |
| that were developed to ensure that any brand of train | | | | Remember that the term "gauge" always refers to the |
| would fit on the same gauge track which gives the | | | | size of the track that a model train operates on. |
| model train enthusiast a lot of flexibility when it comes | | | | Gauge always is the measurement of the distance |
| to purchasing engines, cars and tracks. When talking | | | | between the rails of any train track. Another term that |
| about the size of a train engine and cars, train | | | | affects the way trains operate is "Code" which is the |
| hobbyists are referring to the scale of the train. Scale | | | | actual height of the track rail. |
| refers to an exact proportion to a real life train. Scale | | | | Maybe it's my personality but model trains can |
| is referred to as a ratio between life like model and the | | | | become addictive and the N scale model train sets are |
| model train and has been given special letters such as | | | | just one of the many choices for setting up your |
| N Scale Model Trains. | | | | model train track layout and scenery layout. Although |
| When looking at an N scale model train you are | | | | your freedom of choice is often dictated by the space |
| working with the smaller size model trains. Actually N | | | | you have available, it your space is limited, N scale |
| scale is the smallest size model train out of the 4 | | | | trains could be the perfect fit! A modern mantra of our |
| possible model train scales. The accepted ratio for N | | | | day is size matters, however, regardless of the model |
| trains is 1:160. Another way of saying ratio is, "the n | | | | train size that you ultimately pick I know you'll enjoy the |
| scale train is one sixtieth the size of a life like real train. | | | | experience immensely. |