What is N Gauge?N Gauge is one of the most popular scales in model railroads. The gauge refers to the distance between the rails themselves. While different countries have different measurements for N gauge, in the US the distance is 0.354” or 9mm. In terms of scale, N gauge ranges from 1:148 to 1:160. This means that typical N gauge train sets are 1:148th to 1:160th scale versions of their normal size counterparts.
Different Brands of N Gauge Train SetsThere are certainly a number of different brands available for N gauge train sets. Each of these brands brings their own advantages in terms of price, details, variety and overall quality. What follows is just a short sampling of the different brands which are available to the public; - Arnold - Atlas - Bachmann - BLMA - CJM - Kato - Life-Like - Lionel - Williams & More. There are a number of N gauge train set manufactures in other countries as well as those who specialize in different sizes, but may offer N gauge as a minor part of their catalog. However, you can always start with the companies listed and work your way towards finding the type that is most suited to your needs. Advantages of N Gauge RailroadsThere are a number of advantages that N gauge train sets, tracks and accompanying materials have in the model railroad hobby.
Scale: Because of their smaller size on the scale, they take up basically half the room of the larger HO size, but are still larger than the Z scale or T scale. N scale is considered by many to be the best compromise of size and ease of handling, just small enough to fit into regular homes while just large enough to be relatively easy to handle. Variety: Thanks to N gauge being one of the most popular sizes around, there are many different types of train sets, tracks, and accessories to choose from for the hobbyist. For the beginner or those who have been at this hobby for a long time, having the sheer variety that N gauge has to offer makes them quite attractive. Wargaming: For those who enjoy miniature wargaming, the 1:148th scale is very common and highly compatible with this hobby. This means that actions that took place around a rail station or along the railroad can be recreated at the proper scale. Price Range of N gauge Train SetsAlthough prices of N gauge model train sets vary, what is true is that the popularity of these sets makes them readily available with prices that are generally quite low and affordable. This makes N gauge especially attractive to those just entering the hobby. The price will depend in large part on the number of trains, tracks and accessories in the kits themselves. Since prices change rather frequently, it can best be said that many N scale train sets are generally lower in price than their HO equivalent. However, they are not necessarily that much higher than the smaller T or Z scale models. For those getting into the hobby, the important part is finding a small train set and enough tracks to meet your needs initially while expanding later as the interest level grows. Diving in too soon and spending a great deal of money often backfires as the learning curve is thrown out of whack and frustration soon sets in. As an example of prices; these are what some of the online model train stores where charging for N scale train sets at the time of writing this article. Obviously prices and the availability of sets will vary depending on the country, manufacturer, retailer etc. Readers can also purchase train sets and accessories at local hobby stores and online from eBay, Amazon, and Craigs List among places. This is a guide only of what was available in N scale at the time of writing:
So as you can see, at the time of writing most N gauge starter train sets were priced under $300. You may get a bargain by shopping around and searching train stockist websites and checking Craigs List and Ebay for new or secondhand trains. Personally, I don’t buy used trains unless I can inspect them and see them working before I part with any money. So buy on Ebay and Craiglist with care. Because I am reasonably experienced in model railroading I personally avoid starter train sets as the quality is not usually up to the standard of buying individual trains separately. However, starter train sets can be the perfect entry level for someone getting started as it gives them a taste for the hobby without committing too much cash up front. Most sets come with a locomotive, some cars (passenger carriages or wagons), and some track (usually enough for a small oval). Specifications on what is included will vary from pack to pack and the contents are generally clearly described on the box (or retailer’s website). As an example the Bachmann N scale Royal Blue Starter Set advertised online at $195 includes: 34 inch x 24 inch E-Z track oval snap-together track, a ready to run Baltimore & Ohio 4-4-0 USA steam locomotive with a tender, three cars, a speed controller which has plug in wiring, an instruction manual with illustrations, and a “lifetime warranty” whatever that means. By comparison the $265 Kato Freight Set mentioned above includes: a powerful six axle freight-hauling locomotive (choose from 5 color schemes), six freight cars (2 hoppers, 2 tanks cars, and 2 gondolas), a 3 foot x 4 foot oval track (Kato UNITRACK) with some re-railing track, a power pack, and a user manual. So, as you will see you need to shop around to decide what would suit you best. You’ll find there is a big range of N gauge sets to choose from when you start looking. Take your time choosing as you might as well select something you really want. These days ordering online is a safe option as long as deal with reputable stockists. Why Choose N Gauge Train Sets?There are many reasons to go with this particular scale of model trains. They carry the advantages of being small enough to fit into most households easily while not being all that expensive compared to their larger HO counterparts. In addition, the sheer variety of N gauge train sets available makes them the perfect gift for youngsters who have a fledgling interest in the hobby that they wish to expand. This also makes it easier on parents who do not have to fork over a considerable amount of money early on in pursuit of this hobby as well. In addition, many of the models for the surrounding countryside are easy to obtain and use in relation to the size of the N gauge as well. Most of all, N gauge train sets represent that happy medium between the larger, more expensive HO sets and the smaller, less detailed Z sizes. Quite often, those who are introduced to N gauge sets, particularly today, keep the love of the hobby with them for the rest of their lives and rarely move up or down in terms of scale.
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