N Scale Model Railroad

N-Scale model railroad

I caught the virus, when I was a young boy, at the age of 4 or 5. I saw this fascinating little N scale locomotive on Dads model railroad layout, a "V 200" Diesel loco.
Dad, however did not allow me to play with this tiny engine at that time. He knew, why! But how could I resist?

My N scale career

..... started in the late 1960ies. Meanwhile I´m grown up, and today, of course, model railroading is my hobby. So the virus is still alive, but I can tell you: I love it! (And, by the way, this Diesel locomotive type V 200 has a special place in my model trains collection. It is an old Minitrix loco, made from real "heavy metal" - and it still runs!).

Meanwhile the old Minitrix V 200 has got a "younger sister" - an Arnold V 200:

The photo above is taken from my existing model railroad layout. A big signal tower controls the main line, where the long trains pass by. For me N scale is the best choice for model railroads at home. The required space is assessable, and details are (almost) like in H0. And for those, who want to know: The "N" stands for N(ine) = 9 mm! That is the distance between the left and the right rail.

Diesel locomotive V 200

Here in Germany the V 200 is the most popular diesel locomotive. During the 50ies and 60ies this loco did a job for heavy freight trains as well as passenger trains, until it was taken out of service in the 1980ies. So almost every model train producer here in Europe has a "V 200" in the product line, like Fleischmann, Minitrix, Roco, Märklin or Arnold.
Good to know: The pictures show the V 200 of the DB (= Deutsche Bahn), which was the railroad organisation of West Germany at that time. The DR (= Deutsche Reichsbahn), the railroad organisation of East Germany, had a V 200 too, but this was a complete different locomotive.

Freight trains on the main line

Five minutes later (or to "speak" in terms of N scale: 5 seconds?): The traffic on my model railway layout goes on! The freight train with V 200 has passed by, and now a big steam locomotive BR 44 appears, with another heavy freight train.
This scene actually could have happend like this, as in Germany steam locos were used up to the early 70ies. And, by the way, the next argument for N scale: Making nice photos from the model trains with a simple digital camera is no problem!

N Scale figures

More details from my model railway layout: A farmer is on his way home. Do you see the little figure which is sticked in the tractor? Little N scale figures and accessoires make scenes complete and "living". Here a typical bavarian scene, which shows, that finest modeling is possible even gauge 1:160.
Meanwhile I´ve got 3 layouts - did I mention a virus already?

N Scale catenary

Of course, I also run and electric locomotives on my model railroad layout, thus playing a more modern era. As electric locos need a catenary, I have got one; however, the overhead electrical line on my layout is just a "look-a-like", that means: no real function. (Although you can have a catenary with real function in N scale).

Passenger Trains

At the terminal: People waiting for the trains. Although my layout is small, it has a tall station for long passenger trains.

If you are interested to see more of my model railroad hobby, visit my website (however, in German language....). You will find the link in the "link section".

Links

N Scale Model Railroad Layouts: My website, featuring my model railroad layouts: A big one on 2 meter x 1 meter, and two smaller diorama layouts...
Fleischmann: Rails and Railroad Models in N and H0
www.nscale.org: Community and Forum for 1:160 Fans

Squidoo

N Scale Model Railroad