Scale Trains
History Of N Scale Model Trains
N scale model trains were first introduced in the early 1960s. Most historians credit the K. Arnold & Company with the introduction of the first commercially available N scale models. During the 1940s and 1950s, several companies led the charge to develop a smaller train scale. It was during this period that K. Arnold & Company helped drive standardization through the introduction of its Rapido coupler. By allowing other manufacturers to use the Rapido design, Model Train enthusiasts were able to couple together rolling stock from different manufacturers.
N scale trains have a large following globally and are only second in popularity to HO scale trains. This popularity can be attributed to several reasons. First, in countries such as Japan, N scale is the most popular scale due to limited space in the homes. Second, other hobbyists actually do not select these trains due to spatial limitations. Instead, they prefer to work with this scale and build a more complex and visually appealing model display.
Recently, this type of model has even become more popular in Australia. One of the reasons contributing to the growing popularity in this country has been the availability of local prototypes. In the past, Australian modelers could only choose from American, British, and European prototypes; Australia had no local prototypes available for the N scale. The creation of local Australian prototypes is now a burgeoning niche market that has been fueling the demand for N scale models in Australia every year.
Another interesting trend is the use of N scale trains and accessories with larger such as HO. For instance, N Scale Train and structures may often be included in an HO or larger Model Train Layout to create the illusion that objects are further away than they really are. The smaller objects will be strategically placed in the background to create this forced perspective, creating additional depth to the overall display.
One of the most notable N scale projects was built in 1978 by Gordon Odegard. Dubbed the Clinchfield, this layout measured 6 feet by 13 feet. This layout was especially noteworthy due to its modular design and its use of aluminum and Styrofoam to reduce the overall weight among other features. The Clinchfield layout has received numerous accolades and has been displayed at a number of model train shows.
Although the N scale is not the smallest, it certainly is one of the more popular scales. Since its initial commercial introduction, the N scale model train is one that has provided countless hours of entertainment. Given its worldwide adoption and popularity, there is no doubt this scale will continue to provide pleasure to future generations of hobbyists.
About the Author
Gabriel O. Delaney is a model train enthusiast. For more information on N scale model trains, check out http://www.ultimatemodeltraintips.com.
Scale Trains
 |
 KTM HO Scale JR Shinkansen Bullet Train Series N700 Nozomi 16 Car Set  US $11,999.99
|
 ENDO HO Scale JR Shinkansen Bullet Train Series E5 Hayabusa 10 Car Limited US $8,999.99
|
 KTM HO Scale JR Shinkansen Bullet Train Series 700 Hikari Rail Star 8 Car US $7,599.99
|
 HO Scale Train Layout W Lots Of Extras Make A Offer DCC Cars Loco US $3,000.00
|
 MODEL RAILROAD TRAIN SET HO SCALE US $2,500.00
|
 Big Collection Vintage HO Scale Train Set Buildings US $1,900.00
|
 1960s Complete HO Scale 150 Piece Train Set US $1,900.00
|
 Marklin HO Scale Steam Freight Digital Train Starter Set HO 29539 US $1,026.99
|
 Marklin Digital HO Scale Train Car Set 29571 2004 RARE US $831.99
|
 Marklin Germany HO Scale Train Car Set 29531 2004 RARE US $821.99
|
 Zoukei Mura HO Scale JR Shinkansen Bullet Train Series 0 Basic 4 Car Set US $799.99
|
 HO Scale Train Set 6 x 8 Includes engines cars buildings scenery etc US $750.00
|
 Zoukei Mura HO Scale JR Shinkansen Bullet Train Series 0 Add On 4 Car Set A US $749.99
|
 HO Scale DCC Custom Built and Made Model Train Layout W Lots of Extras US $700.00
|
 33 TRAINS DIESEL ENGINES LOCOMOTIVE SET LOT BACHMANN RIVAROSSI TYCO HO SCALE US $699.95
|
 RAPIDO TRAINS INC HO SCALE LOT 10 UNION PACIFIC PASSENGER CARS 1 GENERATOR CAR US $695.00
|
 BACHMANN THOMAS KINKADE TRAIN HO SCALE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS PAINTER OF LIGHT SET US $655.95
|
 Kato 3 0680 HO Scale Black River Junction Train Layout US $644.95
|
 Marklin Germany HO Scale Train Car Set 29536 2001 RARE US $621.99
|
 Marklin HO Scale Digital Fire Department Starter Train Set 29751 Rare 2004 US $601.99
|
 HO Scale Train Bachmann Walters Atlas Train Table Buildings Scenery City LK US $700.00
|
 HO SCALE AHM TYCO ATLAS ROUNDHOUSE ATHEARN MEHANO RIVAROSSI COMPLETE TRAIN LOT US $599.99
|
 Walthers 932 1967 Great Circus Train 12 Car set HO Scale Read US $500.00
|
 SUPER CHIEF TRAIN SET LIFE LIKE HO SCALE ORIGINAL SANTA FE VINTAGE NIB US $490.95
|
 Faller 460 MAMMOTH CAVE GHOST TRAIN w MOTOR 94 EXCL HO SCALE FUNCTIONING KIT US $460.00
|
 HO SCALE SPECTRUM ACELA EXPRESS ELECTRIC TRAIN SET AMTRAK US $459.99
|
Are all HO Scale electric trains compatible?Can you mix the different sets if they are the same scale?
Looking to buy mixed parts and sets to put one together for son for Christmas...Ebay has all kinds of sets and pieces...but will they all run on same tracks?
Most HO rolling stock will work on all HO track.
Some HO engines (Marklin) will not run on non-Marklin track, since theirs is a 3 rail system. But Marklin is really expensive, and you will probably not run into them on ebay cheap. So you should be pretty safe.
Have fun!