| N scale model trains were first introduced in the early | | | | local Australian prototypes is now a burgeoning niche |
| 1960s. Most historians credit the K. Arnold & | | | | market that has been fueling the demand for N scale |
| Company with the introduction of the first commercially | | | | models in Australia every year. |
| available N scale models. During the 1940s and 1950s, | | | | Another interesting trend is the use of N scale trains |
| several companies led the charge to develop a smaller | | | | and accessories with larger such as HO. For instance, |
| train scale. It was during this period that K. Arnold | | | | N scale train and structures may often be included in |
| & Company helped drive standardization through | | | | an HO or larger model train layout to create the illusion |
| the introduction of its Rapido coupler. By allowing other | | | | that objects are further away than they really are. The |
| manufacturers to use the Rapido design, model train | | | | smaller objects will be strategically placed in the |
| enthusiasts were able to couple together rolling stock | | | | background to create this forced perspective, creating |
| from different manufacturers. | | | | additional depth to the overall display. |
| N scale trains have a large following globally and are | | | | One of the most notable N scale projects was built in |
| only second in popularity to HO scale trains. This | | | | 1978 by Gordon Odegard. Dubbed the Clinchfield, this |
| popularity can be attributed to several reasons. First, in | | | | layout measured 6 feet by 13 feet. This layout was |
| countries such as Japan, N scale is the most popular | | | | especially noteworthy due to its modular design and its |
| scale due to limited space in the homes. Second, other | | | | use of aluminum and Styrofoam to reduce the overall |
| hobbyists actually do not select these trains due to | | | | weight among other features. The Clinchfield layout |
| spatial limitations. Instead, they prefer to work with this | | | | has received numerous accolades and has been |
| scale and build a more complex and visually appealing | | | | displayed at a number of model train shows. |
| model display. | | | | Although the N scale is not the smallest, it certainly is |
| Recently, this type of model has even become more | | | | one of the more popular scales. Since its initial |
| popular in Australia. One of the reasons contributing to | | | | commercial introduction, the N scale model train is one |
| the growing popularity in this country has been the | | | | that has provided countless hours of entertainment. |
| availability of local prototypes. In the past, Australian | | | | Given its worldwide adoption and popularity, there is no |
| modelers could only choose from American, British, | | | | doubt this scale will continue to provide pleasure to |
| and European prototypes; Australia had no local | | | | future generations of hobbyists. |
| prototypes available for the N scale. The creation of | | | | |