N Scale Trains - What are they?


N scale trains are a 1/160th scale replica of its corresponding prototype building, train, automobile etc... A common term often used interchangeably with N scale is N gauge. N gauge is the second most popular model train scale in the United States. There are currently three model train scales which are smaller than N gauge. These smaller scales are Z, HZ, and WZ.

N scale model railroading began in 1962 and has since attracted many model railroading hobbyists along the way. In the years since its inception, the hobby has seen dramatic improvements in the quality, quantity and variety of model train products available to the enthusiast.

Today there are a number of magazines dedicated to promoting the hobby as well as entire catalogs chock full of model railroading products to choose from. Among these options for N scale model railroaders are: buildings, layouts, cars, trucks, trolleys, engines or locomotives, scenery, train track, and more.

Model railroading manufacturers are rather plentiful these days. Some of the more popular brands include: Arnold, Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Brass Imports, Kadee, Kato, Life-Like, and Minitrix to name a few. These model train manufacturers typically carry G Scale, HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale, OO Scale, S Scale, and Z Scale model railroad supplies.



N Scale Trains are Perfect!


N gauge trains are perfect for model railroaders who enjoy running long trains and modeling awesome realistic scenery. This in no way however suggests that terrific scenery cannot also be built for other “scale” model railroad layouts.

Because N gauge trains and other micro trains are smaller, the modeler is usually better able to build more realistic scenery. On an N scale layout, mountains and other model railroad scenery can be constructed so that they dwarf the locomotives, rolling stock, buildings and other manmade objects on the layout table.


N Scale Trains - Britain, Europe and Japan
N Scale Trains First Japanese LocomotiveN gauge trains are very popular around the world, and that popularity is continuing to grow daily. In America, Europe, and around the globe N gauge is the second most popular model train size outranked only by HO scale. The only exception to this rule “that I’m aware of” is Japan.

In Japan, would-be model railroaders tend to be a bit more hindered by space limitations than in America, Europe, and other parts of the world. This, along with terrific modeling possibilities is why N scale is the most popular scale in the land of the rising sun.

We carry a nice selection of Japanese models in our N Scale Train Store, so stop in and check us out.

British N scale is a bit different than standard 1/160th N gauge. The Brits use a 1/148th scale size. Aside from being a smidge more narrow, the locomotives and rolling stock still run on 9mm track.

For more information on real life and N gauge trains, including: model railroading, train layouts, and modeling railroad scenery, browse through our selection of model railroad books or visit our N Scale Railroader Blog.


N Scale Trains History Highlights


• 1961 - British manufacturer Lone Star introduced "push along" N gauge models
• 1962 – Birth of modern "electrified" N gauge railroad hobby
• The Pacific Desert Lines, one of the largest (1200 sq. ft.) N gauge layouts in the world, is located at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
• 1978 - The Clinchfield model railroad was built by the late Gordon Odegard which ultimately resulted in the book "Modeling the Clinchfield in N Scale"