An Introduction to N Gauge Model trains
There are a lot of different model train scales which hobbyists have to choose from. If you’re interested in model trains but don’t have a lot of space to devote to this pursuit, then N gauge trains are a size you may want to have a closer look at. N Gauge Trains are significantly smaller than the O and HO scale trains which usually come to mind when you think about model trains; this scale is designed for hobbyists who don’t have a lot of room to spare and because of their smaller size, elaborate layouts can be built in a very small space. A fairly extensive N scale layout can be made on a work bench which is 8 feet by four feet and even smaller. The N in N scale stands for nine, which is the number of millimeters between the rails on the tracks these trains run on. Constructed in a ratio of 1:160 to the real trains they
represent, N scale trains are about half the size of the popular HO scale (1:87).
N gauge trains are perhaps one of two of the most popular scales of trains around. You can find this size just about anywhere you would find larger scales, and the availability of parts and accessories is just as great. Some of the trains and scenery for this size are quite a bit more detailed that some other sizes, which just adds to the realistic look of your layout. Even if you don’t necessarily have a smaller space to work with, you can build even better and more elaborate layout designs with this size than you would with larger scales.
Those who enjoy running trains with a lot of cars may want to go with N scale trains for this reason. Since they’re small and lightweight, you can run a much longer train without losing power than you could when using O or HO scale model trains. They’re also very portable and there are even work benches made for this scale which allow you to easily transport your N scale layouts.
There are many different manufacturers of N gauge trains, with Bachmann and Lionel being the top selling brands. You can find many good starter sets and many that won’t break your bank. One of them is the Prairie Flyer Set UP N, from Bachmann. This set comes complete with an American 4-4-0 steam locomotive with tender, an old time combine and coach cars. It also comes with enough nickel silver E-Z track to make a 34″x24″ oval, including 11 curve tracks, 4 straight tracks and a curved terminal derailer. This set has a limited lifetime warranty, and while it lists for 7, you can pick it up for under a hundred
dollars in many locations.
You can also find plenty of scenery packages for N gauge trains, including buildings, plants, people and more. There are many online retailers who carry N scale accessories and of course, your local hobby shops more than likely carry plenty to choose from as well. If you’re wondering what sort of layouts you can put together for your N scale trains, you can look at many different layouts online and in books to give you some inspiration.