| N scale model trains are in fact 54.5 per cent the | | | | The main difficulty with such a small layout is |
| size of equivalent HO scale model trains. This | | | | ensuring the integrity of the track. There must |
| means that you can build an N scale model railroad | | | | not be the slightest problem with any part of the |
| layout in an area about 30% of that area needed | | | | layout including turn ins, bends, straightaways or |
| to build a similar model railroad layout in HO scale. | | | | any junctions. The locomotive and rolling stockis |
| Just to give an idea of the actual scale and gauge, | | | | made to very fine tolerances so the track has to |
| consider the following: The gauge which is | | | | mirror the accuracy. |
| measured as the distance between each rail is | | | | To overcome what may seem to be a daunting |
| 9mm, way less than half an inch. For every foot | | | | prospect simply use a more stable base such as |
| of real track N gauge equates to 2.06mm. The | | | | MDF. Yes it is heavier than ply board but it is |
| scale ratio is 1:148 which means the model is 148 | | | | stiffer and flatter and if you get the base right, |
| times smaller than the Locomotive the model is | | | | the rest is easy and very quick because it is small. |
| based on. Even in modelling terms that is small. | | | | As well as locomotives and rolling stock there is a |
| What does all this mean? Actually it means that it | | | | huge array of accessories, including scenery and |
| is possible to get closer to the realistic number of | | | | just about everything you can think of. |
| trucks or carriages used in the real thing. Most | | | | N gauge is a brilliant format for the keen modeller |
| model installations have to shorten the rolling | | | | and will keep him busy for hours AND because of |
| stock because of limitations of space. With N | | | | the sheer volume of material that can be shown |
| gauge this is not a problem because more track | | | | in a small area these intense layouts win many of |
| can be laid in a given space. This is the reason | | | | the Regional and National prizes for Quality and |
| why there are some stellar installations to be | | | | Content for a Layout. |
| seen in N gauge and scale. | | | | |