N scale

Bachmann-2-6-6-2withPencil.jpg|thumb|right|300px|U.S. Prototype model of an N scale (1:160) Chesapeake and Ohio Railway 2-6-6-2 shown with a pencil for size]]

N scale (or sometimes N gauge) is a popular model railway size, allowing hobbyists to build layouts that take up less space than HO scale, or put longer track runs into the same amount of space, because the models are smaller (by nearly a half) than they are in HO scale (1:87). The name comes from an abbreviation for Nine millimetres, which is the distance between the inside edges of the rails.

Overview

In Britain, some N scale models are built to "2 mm scale" for "2 mm to the foot" which calculates to a 1:152 proportion. Early N scale was also known as "OOO" or "Treble-O" in reference to O and OO scales and was also 1:152, though for an entirely different reason.

In the United States and Europe, models of standard gauge (4ft 8.5in) trains are built to 1:160 scale and made so that they run on N gauge track. This combination is also called N scale. The minor difference doesn't bother anyone (except the 2 mm scale modellers) and allows the convenient use of track manufactured in the U.K. for all N gauge trains. One such manufacturer is Peco.

In the United States, a landmark N scale project layout, the Clinchfield, was built in 1978 by the late Gordon Odegard and featured in a series of articles for Model Railroader magazine. The article series was also reprinted in the book "Modeling the Clinchfield in N Scale" by Kalmbach Publishing. The Clinchfield layout measured 6 by 13 feet and was noteworthy for a number of reasons: 1) it was highly portable because of its modular construction, 2) showed the potential of high scenery to track ratios possible in 1:160, 3) used a unique aluminum frame and (at the time revolutionary) styrofoam construction to cut down on weight and 4) was highly prototypical for the era. The Clinchfield layout is one of the most famous American N scale layouts ever constructed and was awarded as the grand prize in a 1984 sweepstakes. The layout was also displayed at a number of train shows and has traded ownership several times by private collectors.

In the United Kingdom a scale of 1:148 is used for commercially produced models. In Japan, a scale of 1:150 is used for the models of 3 ft 6 in gauge trains, while a scale of 1:160 is used for models of standard gauge Shinkansen (Bullet Train) models. In the U.S. and Europe, a scale of 1:160 is used for models of trains, irrespective of the gauge of the real trains they are scaled from. One result of this is called Nn3, which uses 1:160 models on Z scale track.

Although trains and accessories of similar gauge and/or scale existed as early as 1927, modern N scale 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 trains are powered by DC motor which accepts a nominal maxiumum 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 enthuisiasts 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 agreed-to standard coupling is known as a 'Rapido' coupler for the manufacturer (Arnold) who kindly allowed it to be copied. While this coupling system can be found on all N scale rolling stock, it barely serves the purpose of keeping the train together. This has prompted U.S. modellers to make use of a more reliable proprietary coupler system, available initially from Micro-Trains Line Co.. The MT couplers (as they are known) are more delicate and closer to scale appearance than Rapido couplers. Other manufacturers are now making couplers that mate with Micro Trains couplers.

European modellers have the option to convert the couplings on their rolling stock to the Fleishmann Profi-Coupler system for more reliable operation should they wish to do so.

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 in popularity. In Japan, where space in homes is more limited, N scale is the most popular scale, and HO scale is considered large. In the U.S., modellers build large N scale layouts in spaces large enough for HO layouts.

N gauge track and components are also used with larger scales, in particular HOe and 009 scale for modelling narrow gauge railways.

Standards

Standards 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 modeled.

2 mm scale

A number of modellers in the United Kingdom use 2 mm scale, a closer-to-scale standard than N scale. 2 mm scale, as the name implies, is scaled at 2 mm to the foot (1:152) with a 9.42 mm track gauge. Exact scale track and wheels are used in preference to the readily available 9 mm gauge components.

OOO models

In 1961 Lone Star introduced some of the very first (1:160) N scale models branded as Treble-0-Lectric (OOO) into the United Kingdom. The original die-cast metal models were push along and gauged to run on a die-cast trackwork having a gauge that was closer to 8 mm. Coupling was via a simple loop and pin arrangement. The novelty of the "Lone Star Locos" line was such that they even found their way to the United States and were sold in the toys area of major department stores like J.J. Newberry.

Electrified models followed soon after. The track gauge was widened to a nominal 9 mm and rails were isolated with non-conductive ties (sleepers) for DC operation. A different coupling based on a shrunken OO scale coupling was fitted. The OOO couplings and specifications have long since been replaced by commercial N scale manufacturers.

External links

The N Gauge Society
The Modern Area Group of the N Gauge Society
The 2mm Scale Association
Ntrak Society
Dennison, Ohio has an N scale model of its historic railway yards in the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
N Scale Model Railroad Layouts Directory of N scale railroad layouts worldwide
N Scale Community For help on anything N-scale

Groups

Model railroad scales | Scale model scales