Although larger model trains have become popular since the invention of the G scale, N gauge train sets have increased in sales as the need for more economical hobbies has grown. Large model trains require considerable amounts of time and money to sustain, but smaller model trains like N gauge, also called N scale, have proven popular among enthusiasts who need to lighten the loads on their wallets.
Although larger model trains have become popular since the invention of the G scale,
N gauge train sets have increased in sales as the need for more economical hobbies has grown. Large model trains require considerable amounts of time and money to sustain, but smaller model trains like N gauge, also called N scale, have proven popular among enthusiasts who need to lighten the loads on their wallets.
N Gauge Train Sets for Budget-Minded Hobbyists
The cost for a hobbyist to start out with N gauge train sets is significantly less than the hobbyist would spend on larger scales like G or O. In the United States, N gauge model train sets measure approximately 1:160 scale, making them some of the smallest model train sets available for purchase, larger only than Z scale and T scale.
The significantly lower costs for N gauge train sets allow enthusiasts to budget their hobbies wisely. The money saved on the initial purchase of a train set can afford an enthusiast the option of purchasing accessories, namely scale model buildings or extra track. This is a great bonus for new hobbyists, allowing them to ease into model railroading slowly without an astronomical starting figure.
Saving Space
The space requirements for N gauge train sets are also minimal. Some hobbyists have entire rooms dedicated to model railroading, but not everyone can afford that luxury. An individual with limited space for the hobby can easily fit the track layout in a small area measuring a few square feet, making N gauge the perfect size for hobbyists living in apartments or small homes.
Locomotives in N gauge train sets measure about as long as pencils. Furthermore, the average N gauge locomotive is usually not much wider than the combined width of two pencils. Many hobbyists consider the narrow width of N gauge locomotives a big bonus, allowing them to set up model railroading layouts with sharp turns to fit in tight spaces.
Although N gauge train sets make excellent hobbies for new enthusiasts, parents may want to take care when introducing the small pieces to young children. N scale is not the smallest available size for model railroading, but some pieces in N gauge train sets may present choking hazards for toddlers. Small trains make good toys for children, but the universally accepted model railroading size for children is usually HO.
Manufacturers of N Scale Model Trains
N gauge train sets present versatile and exciting options for many model railroading enthusiasts, but they can be difficult to find. Some manufacturers prefer to focus on larger locomotives and accessories to preserve realism, often abandoning the idea of N scale in favor of larger, more detailed machines.
However, hobbyists can find N gauge sets from reputable manufacturers like Micro-Trains for highly detailed freight cars. Atlas Model Railroad Company is another manufacturer with a sterling reputation, providing enthusiasts with many options for locomotives and freight cars alike.
The internationally minded will enjoy the N gauge train sets offered by manufacturers like Kato Japan, a company that specializes in models like the Japanese Shinkansen. Dapol is another excellent international manufacturer, providing enthusiasts with quality N scale products from their factories in Wales.
