What is an N scale, and what is about an N scale that people talk about?
Unlike HO trains, an N scale train is a small train with only about 1:160 scale. This has what makes a lot of people especially old folks consider that an N scale is not as good as the other more popular scales.
The N scale model may be small trains, but they carry the same amount of realism conveyed by the more famous scales. An N scale train layout is ideal for people who do not have a lot of space. One can do a lot with a basic 8'x4' space and come up with a really decent layout. Some people say that N scale spare parts and accessories are very small and hard to find. Truth is, there are local hobby shops or Model Trains online stores like Ebay, which are good resources for finding spare N scale parts. You may not find all the parts you may be looking for, but there are many basic sets available.
The first thing to do is to get a good basic train set of your choice. You can choose from a variety of engines including passenger trains and freight trains. The N scale is also best for its light yet detailed car styles and designs. There could be holiday additions where you see the more uncommon sets. You can find festive and colorful accessories, complete layouts, holiday engines and cars, carolers, snow-capped buildings and more realistic figures that could make your collection truly magnificent on the holidays.
Another good feature about N scale trains is the battery-powered requiring no extra power mechanism, like miniature clock towers and structures that play music. These are just among the worth discovering features of N scale trains.
Basically, it is fundamental to know that N scale model trains are going to have a lot of small parts. When you're working on an N scale train and the children are around, a good supervision is required. Aside from the train's tiny parts, the hobby requires electricity, so it is best to assemble the layout first while the kids look. They surely would enjoy watching.
Here is a good basic layout that could be an ample setup for a 32”x 40” area. With all the materials ready, you will need 63 pieces of track to create a 24 Atlas-N R-11 30 degree curved tracks, 17 Atlas-N R-9.75 30 degree curve track, 4 Atlas-N 0.63 inches straight track, 8 Atlas-R 5 inch track, and Atlas-N 2.5 inch straight track.
For the hand turnouts, you will need 6 Atlas-N #2701 standard #4 right hand turnouts, and 3 Atlas-N #2700 #4 left hand turnouts. There should be four ovals inside of each other, with the third center oval.
There are two sets of switch backs on the central ones, with only one way switch back from the outside.
You can choose any design that you like, the possibilities are endless. There are real-life setups that you can get ideas from, or online samples from different hobbyists. Different country, different styles, so go N scale now and enjoy being creative!
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