Frank D. Joseph questioned: Are you new to the world of model trains? It may sound daunting at first to hear about scales and gauges, but rest assured that doing this type of work is not above your head. As you continue to work with model trains, so, too, will you know the terms used within the world of model trains.
First thing to reckon about when you’re making your model and selecting your first train is size. Model trains and train tracks are made by a variety of manufacturers. There are many choices, so it will be simple to find the one you want. In the world of model trains, you can choose between manufacturers for trains and tracks because sizes and specifications are based upon scale and gauge. Model train hobbyists talk about “the scale” of a train, which in essence means that they are talking about its size. The “scale” of a train is its proportional size as compared to a life-size or prototype train. Different letters designate the size and scale to reflect the differences in ratio easily.
The N scale train is one of the smaller sized train models. In fact, it is the smallest of the four most well loved scales and the ratio is 1:160. This means a N scale train is one 160th the size of a real train. If you don’t have a lot of room for your particular train layout or if you like very intimate scenery, you may want to consider an N train. They don’t take up as much space as some larger sizes, but they are large enough to provide detail to a greater degree than some smaller sizes. Supplies in rail cars then are smaller, too, which will make it simpler to maintain and add on to your scenery and layout later. In addition, because N scale train rail cars and tracks are smaller, the scenery by contrast can be larger and more gorgeous.
O scale, HO scale, and standard scale trains have been around for a full century, but N scale trains really only came in to popularity in the 1960s. N scale means “9 mm,” because there’s a 9 mm gauge between the rails. The gauge is the size of the tracks that a train operates on, and measures the distance between the rails. The code is the height of the rail itself.
N scale model trains are just one facet of a leisure activity of model train building and the accompanying scenery. You as the train builder have to determine which size of train is best for you, but no matter the size you choose, the thrill will be just as huge.