| So you have decided to build an N Gauge Train | | | | model train in relation to the original and the gauge |
| and you are not alone in your passion and there | | | | refers to the distance between the two rails on |
| are so many resources around to help you build | | | | the track. |
| the perfect system. | | | | A normal N Gauge train display often has multiple |
| The first thing I recommend that you do next is | | | | trains and tracks and adequate power suppliers |
| to plan out the design of the track because | | | | will need to be provided to make sure that there |
| basically everything you do from now will be | | | | is power to all parts of the track and accessories. |
| dictated by the layout. You have already decided | | | | Most N Gauge trains are powered by a 12 volt |
| on the N Gauge scale, so we do not need to | | | | power system. |
| discuss this anymore. | | | | One of the nice elements of N Gauge is the |
| One of the best ways to do this is to literally | | | | availability of steam. There are many models that |
| draw out your proposed track layout on paper. I | | | | provide steam and if you buy these make sure |
| cannot think of a better way to see if your ideal | | | | that they have all wheel electrical pickup which |
| track works. | | | | means that they use electricity to work and the |
| One of the software programs I can recommend | | | | smoke is produced as a side effect. This way you |
| to help you set up your train layout is a system | | | | will not fill your house full of smoke. |
| by Atlas called "Right Track" which allows you to | | | | Because N Gauge trains are small, they are |
| design your track on a computer and then to be | | | | generally very light compared to HO trains, so it is |
| able to print it out onto paper. | | | | very important that you secure the base and |
| Once you have the paper printout, you can put | | | | track into position as it is easy to knock out of |
| this onto plywood and literally draw out your | | | | place. Even the constant movement of the train |
| proposed track onto the ply wood. | | | | will shift the position of the track. |
| Once you have the track designed you are ready | | | | Also lighting is very important as you want |
| to really start building your train set and you may | | | | everyone to be able to see the very small detail |
| want to link up with other N Gauge supporters. I | | | | of the trains and accessories so make sure the |
| recommend that you join one of the many online | | | | tracks and scenery are well lit. |
| clubs such as the N Gauge Society who can give | | | | I hope that these tips and look at this very unique |
| you loads of help and tutorials. | | | | scale will help you when you decide to begin |
| The beauty of N gauge trains is it's unique size. At | | | | construction of your N Gauge Train. |
| 1:148 to 1:160 (depending on country) it is about | | | | As a side note, model n gauge trains became |
| half the size of HO and so much more can be | | | | very popular in the 1920's and were originally |
| fitted into the same area. More trains and more | | | | distributed by such companies as the Arnold |
| track = more excitement. However it does take | | | | Company based in Nuremberg). The Arnold |
| a lot more patience to make a smaller train set | | | | Company also developed the "Rapido" coupler |
| as more details and intricacy is required. | | | | which is still in use today. |
| The gauge of N gauge trains always remains the | | | | I hope that you find years of happiness with your |
| same at 9mm even if the scale changes. | | | | new N Gauge Train. |
| Remember the scale refers to the size of the | | | | |