| One of the most confusing terms to new railroad | | | | makes the train appear more realistic as even a |
| modelers is the term N gauge model railroads. | | | | short time on the tracks will cause a brand new |
| Though the gauge usually refers to the distance | | | | locomotive to become begrimed and worn. |
| between the rails of a real and model train, the | | | | Realism and emphasis of details have made |
| term N gauge often can be seen used | | | | weathering popular with model train enthusiasts. |
| interchangeably with N scale to refer to the scale | | | | This is so effective with the N scale trains that |
| size of the model train not the track size alone. | | | | commercial weathering mixtures have been |
| To further, confuse the issue there is a difference | | | | marketed as well as homemade concoctions |
| in scale sizing between UK N Gauge and other | | | | made of rubbing alcohol and ink which when wiped |
| country's standard sizes. | | | | over the entire surface of the stock can create |
| N gauge track always has a distance of 9 mm | | | | an aging effect. Of course, if done carelessly it |
| between the rails this much is standard. However | | | | can ruin the pieces as well. |
| in Europe most frequently N scale or gauge model | | | | Australia has joined the N scale movement in |
| trains are scaled on a 1:148 scale while other | | | | locomotive replicas relatively recently, starting |
| countries standards for N scale may vary as | | | | with U.S. and European imports but recently |
| much as 1:160. | | | | branching out to their own N gauge home |
| A dedicated hobbyist and model train enthusiast | | | | industries. These miniature miniatures have gained |
| may choose to go with N gauge model railroads in | | | | quite a following with the Australian hobbyists and |
| order to be able to fit more elaborate layouts in | | | | recently more homegrown prototypes have |
| less space than would be possible with the | | | | emerged. |
| standard HO model, which is roughly double the | | | | Power for the N gauge model railroads is almost |
| size. | | | | exclusively DC and accepts a maximum of 12 |
| The disadvantages to these incredibly small scale | | | | volts DC. More and more N gauge models are |
| model trains is that details may be so miniscule as | | | | coming equipped with digital command control also |
| to be unnoticed when miniaturized to this extent | | | | called DCC. Traditionally the old style controls |
| and that these particular sizes are more | | | | consisted modulating the amount of voltage to |
| expensive to manufacture. Though it is true that | | | | control the speed of the train but it also affected |
| they take less material they require more | | | | all trains on the track. With DCC, the trains can be |
| exacting standards and detailing than the larger | | | | controlled separately and one slowed or stopped |
| sized but less expensive HO scale. | | | | while the other continues to move along the |
| In order to make the minuscule detailing on the N | | | | track. With true enthusiasts, this level of realism in |
| scale models stand out more, many hobbyists | | | | control is a most important finish to their layout |
| artificially weather their model trains. This certainly | | | | and to the overall finished product. |