N Gauge Trains
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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 scale 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).
While they aren't quite as popular as some of the larger scales of model train, N scale trains do have the distinction of being the most popular and readily available of the smaller model trains, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding cars and accessories. They may be small, but their size doesn't mean sacrificing detail; many N scale trains and accessories are just as detailed or even more so than larger models, making them a solid choice even if space isn't a concern for you.
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.
You can find trains and accessories in this scale from many different manufacturers, with Bachmann and Lionel being the most popular. There are some excellent starter kits from Bachmann you may want to try, such as Bachmann's Prairie Flyer Set. This set includes coach cars, an old fashioned combine, a 4-4-0 steam locomotive with tender and enough EZ track to build a 34" by 24" oval; and it's available for under $100 from many online and brick and mortar retailers, despite its list price of $157.
It's also easy to find scenery for N gauge trains. There are buildings, people, trees and other plants as well as a great many other scenery options. You can find N scale accessories at your local hobby stores as well as online; so there's plenty to choose from. If you'd like some ideas on the kind of layouts you can make for your N scale trains, have a look at some of the many layouts featured in books and online to see what others have done and spark a few layout ideas of your own.
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Contents at a Glance
N Model Railroad
An Introduction To N Scale Model Railroading
Even with their smaller size, these trains generally have a lot of detail and realism, often more than O and HO scale trains. N scale trains allow hobbyists to create complex layouts which have a lot of realism in far less space than a larger scale train may take. This makes this scale of model trains a great choice for transporting layouts to expositions and other public exhibits.
N model railroad scale trains may be small, but they are commonly used enough that it is easy to find plenty of accessories, scenery and other items for these trains and their layouts. N scale scenery is available which is every bit as detailed as the scenery you can find for the larger trains. You can even find steam locomotives in N scale which use real boilers. Since the trains are so small, they can use either a conventional model train power supply or a battery.
N scale model trains are small enough that you can set up your layout even if you live in a smaller apartment or have only half of a room to dedicate to your hobby. You can make even large and elaborate N scale model railroad layouts on one relatively small plywood sheet which can be transported with ease - you can look at examples of these layouts online, including videos. You can also find instructional videos and books which can help you to get started building your own layouts.
There are those who assume that because N scale trains are somewhat less popular than some of the other scales, there are too few accessories and other products available for hobbyists. Thankfully, this is not the way it is. You may not be able to find everything you're looking for at your local shops, you can find just about anything you could possibly want online; there are even websites which are N scale specialists.
Beginners are sure to enjoy the N scale model railroad sets from Bachman, including the White Christmas Express. This set comes with the track needed to build a 34" by 24" oval and a steam locomotive complete with two cars, tender car, a caboose and a working headlight. A speed controller and power pack are also included here and there are a variety of other accessories and Bachman sets available.
by NathTheHobbyist
Hi ! My name is Nathan and as you can see, I'm a model train passionate. I just want to share with you the greatest hobby of the World !!
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