| For those who prefer their model trains small and | | | | Personally, I quite enjoy designing my layouts with the |
| compact, meet the N scale. If you are unfamiliar with | | | | smaller train in mind. I am free to include the finer details |
| the terminology that is used by hobbyists, the scale of | | | | such as rustic old bridges and delicately flowing rivers. |
| a train means that it is a scaled down version of the | | | | Whereas some of the larger locomotives can easily |
| full sized model. Gauge refers to the size of the track | | | | dominate the landscape, the N scale enhances the |
| on which the trains operate. It is a measure of distance | | | | drama of the scenery and provides, I believe, a much |
| between the rails of the train tracks. With a gauge of | | | | more realistic railroad. |
| nine millimetres between the rails, N scale is the | | | | N scale model trains are of course simply one option |
| smallest of the four most popular scales. | | | | of many available. When you are planning your layout, |
| Although, quite a recent addition to the world of model | | | | it is for you to decide ultimately, which is the right size |
| trains, becoming popular in the 1960's, N scale has | | | | for you. This is one of the many challenges facing the |
| become the second best selling scale worldwide. | | | | enthusiast, as he dreams, plans, builds and ultimately |
| Ideally suited for those hobbyists with limited space, N | | | | brings to life his perfect railroad. But on thing is for sure. |
| scale still manages to include quite a lot of detail that | | | | No matter what size train you choose, or how many |
| makes it very popular with those enthusiasts looking | | | | levels you build, the thrill of the model railroad will still be |
| for realism. It is one sixtieth the size of its full sized | | | | the same. |
| counterpart. | | | | |