n scale model trains

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History

An EMD SW8 waits to switch a grain silo in this rural Virginia town.
CSX 4346 (an EMD GP35 made by Atlas) outside the freight depot.Although trains and accessories of similar gauge and/or scale existed as early as 1927, modern commercially produced N scale models only appeared in 1962. Unlike other scales and gauges, which were de facto standards at best, within two years N scale manufacturers defined the gauge, voltage, as well as the height and type of couplers.

N scale has a large worldwide following. Models are made of very many standard gauge prototypes from every continent. N scale's popularity is second only to HO scale's. In Japan, where space in homes is more limited, N scale is the most popular scale, and HO scale is considered large. Not all modellers select N because they have small spaces; some use N scale in order to build more complex or more visually expansive models.

N scale in Australia has become more popular over the years. Modellers model mainly US, British and European prototypes because until recently the Australian market had no N scale models of local prototype. The creation of local prototypes is now a flourishing "cottage" industry, making Australia N scale modelling more popular each year.

N gauge track and components are also used with larger scales, in particular HOe and OO9 scale for modelling narrow gauge railways. N scale models on Z scale track are used to model metre gauge (Nn3). A small amount of 2' industrial narrow gauge modelling in N scale using custom track is done but there are few suppliers of parts. Nn18 layouts use T scale track and mechanisms to represent minimum gauge railways. N scale trains and structures are often used on HO or larger layouts to create forced perspective, or the illusion that an object is further away than it actually is.

Standards

There is more to N scale than just trains.
A British model (made by PECO) of an LMS 4-6-0 'Jubilee' steam locomotive
Photo of section of N scale layout with track and a human hand shown for size comparison
Close up of N gauge Southern Pacific GS-4 #4432 by Con-corStandards useful to both manufacturers and modellers are maintained by MOROP in Europe and the NMRA in North America. These standards are generally the same for such elements as track gauge, scale ratio, couplings, and electrical power and differ for clearances and other factors that are specific to the prototype being modelled. The wheel and track standards are however slightly incompatible and most vendors follow neither standard in part because of this.

N scale locomotives are powered by DC motors which accept a maximum of 12 V DC. In traditional DC control, the speed of the train is determined by the amount of voltage supplied to the rails. The direction of the train is determined by the polarity of the power to the rails. Since the end of the 20th century, an increasing number of enthusiasts have started using Digital Command Control (DCC) to determine the speed and direction of their trains. This has in part been made possible by surface mount technology and new motors that draw very little current (typically 0.2amps).

The initial agreed-to standard coupling was known as a 'Rapido' coupler from the manufacturer (Arnold). Most companies developed their own variants of this coupler to avoid Arnold patents on the spring system. Graham Farish initially adopted a plastic flexible U rather than a spring, Peco used a compatible weighted coupler system (Elsie) and Fleischmann cunningly sidestepped the problem by using a sprung plate. All however were compatible.

The Rapido coupler system works well but is difficult to use for automatic uncoupling and also relatively large. In the U.S., Canada and Australia it has been largely superseded by a more realistic looking magnetic knuckle coupler, originally made by Micro-Trains. The MT couplers (as they are known) are more delicate and closer to scale North American appearance than Rapido couplers. Also, they can be opened by a magnet placed under the track. Other manufacturers, such as Atlas and Kato, are now making couplers that mate with Micro Trains couplers although without all the features of the MT couplers due to MTL owned patent rights.

European modellers have the option to convert the couplings on their rolling stock to the Fleischmann Profi-Coupler system for more reliable operation should they wish to do so, but most N scale rolling stock continues to be manufactured with Rapido couplers - a design which is fairly robust and easy to mold. Modern N scale stock uses a standard NEM socket for couplers which allows different coupling designs to be used by simply pulling out the old coupler and fitting a new one of a different design. In the United Kingdom vendors are increasingly shipping both NEM sockets for couplers and buckeye (knuckle) couplers.