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