An N scale model train is just one of the many scales of trains that are available on the market today. This model of train has been around since the 1960s when the manufacturer K. Arnold and Co. began to sell them in the USA.
It is one of the smallest models available, and is highly sought after in countries like Japan or by those people around the world who do not have very much space to spare for such trains, or who wish to put up expansive track layouts that do not cover too much space. Formally, N gauge trains have a ratio of 1:148 to 1:160. The gauge for this scale, known as the N gauge, measures just 9mm between each rail.
N scale model trains used to be a specialty of the USA, the UK and other countries in Europe. But Australia has recently begun to craft N scale model kits as well.
The USA's National Model Railway Association and Europe's MOROP continuously work together to create and enforce standards for the scales and gauges of all model trains. However, interestingly enough, the fact that this train has become so popular and across so many different nations has led to some variations despite efforts to standardize rail gauges and scales. For example, N scale model trains in Europe have a ratio of 1:160, while N scale trains in Japan have a ratio of 1:150.
The small size of the N scale model trainsets means that this is not a trainset that can be used by beginners or those not comfortable working with such little trains and pieces. Nor can they be used around very young children who might put them in their mouths and choke on them.
These scaled trains can be used with other model train scales such as 009 and HOe scales, and can even be used on Z scale tracks. By doing so, hobbyists can be able to toy with perspective and make their sets that much more interesting.
Most N scale model trains are powered by direct-current or DC motors which operate at a maximum of 12V DC. How this voltage is supplied to trains will determine how slow or fast the train can be. Polarity of the power to the rails determines the direction the train will go. Modern trains use Digital Command Control or DCC to control speed and direction.
