N Scale Model Trains
If you’re a newcomer to the world of model trains, it might be a little intimidating to hear words like “scales,” and “gauges.” If you want to build your own scenery and model trains, you might think you’re in over your head. However, if you love the world of trains, you will eventually learn to use and understand the terminology, and everything in the model train world.
Think about this for a minute. What’s your perfect landscape, and what does the train running through it look like? Perhaps your first consideration in answering this question is the size of the train. Model trains and tracks are made by a lot of different people, and they’re used for a lot of different things. Because you have so many choices, you can find the right one for your situation.
To make sure that any brand of train is going to fit on any track, those who make trains talk about scale and gauge, so that when hobbyists talk about train scales, they’re talking about the size of the train and track. What does “scale” mean? It means “scaled down,” replication of the life-size or prototype train in exact proportion. Different letters assigned to the ratio and scales reflect what the differences in ratio are.
So when we talk about an N scale train, we’re talking about a smaller train versus other scale models. Among the four most popular scales, N is in fact the smallest, with a ratio of 1:160. That is, an N scale train is one 160th the size of a real train, or about half the size of an HO train. An HO scale train is one 87th the size of a real train.
If you like expansive scenery or you don’t have a lot of room; an N scale train might just be for you. These trains take up less space than a lot of model layouts, but can get into greater detail than some smaller sizes because of their size. In addition, if you use supplies and rail cars that are smaller, you’ll be able to maintain and add on to it later much more easily. N scale trains are also advantageous because they use smaller rail cars and tracks, which mean you can make the scenery more elaborate and beautiful.
HO scale trains, O scale trains, and standard scale trains have been around for a full century, but N scale trains only gained prominence in the 1960s. N scale means “9 mm” because its gauge is 9 mm between the rails. “Gauge” is the size of the track a model train operates on. It measures the distance between the train tracks’ rails. On the other hand, the “code” designates the rail’s height.
N scale trains are one among many choices when it comes to building trains and the scenery that will surround them. You as the train builder should use whatever size is best for you. No matter what size of train you use, the thrill of train building and play is what matters.
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Model Train Software
Model train software helps you to design and plan your model railway layout. There are many types of software, from high spec simulations to programs that allow you to design objects for your layout.
Depending on how much you enjoy the planning process and how computer literate you are, there is model train software available for every level of model railroad design. The choice of software is bigger and better than ever, so choose carefully.
Whether you prefer sketching on paper or using the latest computer technology, all successful model railway layouts need to be planned. The level of organization is up to you. While sketching is simpler and quicker, using special software to plan the layout of your model railway will save you time and money in the future.
Many versions allow the user to work out the exact amount and kind of materials and pieces required to build the layout, which makes it much quicker to collect the equipment and get building. You can also estimate the cost of building your model railway before going to the store, meaning you won’t get a nasty shock at the price tags.
Simulators are a fantastic way to see how your track will run once completed. It might even mean you are satisfied by simply creating many virtual layouts, rather than building a real model railway. Keeping it virtual means a cheaper hobby and alterations are much easier to make. For example, instead of getting bored of your model layout, just make a new one! Model train software is just as fun to use as a real model railway and is easy to master.
If you are interested in building a model railway layout, model train software is incredibly useful in both the planning and creation of your track. Once you have perfected a layout and tested it on the computer, using a simulation, you can set about building it for real. Software is available for model train users to create and print out their own designs for buildings, signs, and landscape. The software will provide templates and customizable designs to help you recreate the exact layout you planned using simulation software. It’s so easy!
Choosing the right model train software is essential to ensure you don’t waste precious time or money. There are so many packages available; you need to consider the following. How good are your computer skills? If intricate programming and hours in front of a screen isn’t your cup of tea, a free piece of software or demo version might be right for you.
Do you want to use your software to run simulations to help you plan a real layout or for fun? Some software is more suited to users who want to simply create many virtual layouts and can be marketed as computer games. Specialized model train software ranges from free, very simple planning tools to incredibly high spec simulation models. Select the right level for you.
Model train software is designed to assist model railway fans plan and create virtual and real layouts. Many offer useful simulations and can go into great detail; perfect for planning the ultimate track layout.
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Creating Model Train Scenery
There’s almost nothing more satisfying than building a model train set. From choosing the type of train to setting up the scenery, it’s simply amazing because when the finished product is revealed you know that it is your creation. When making your model train scenery however, there are some things that you will need to think about, and these are the things that can make or break your entire setup.
How much space do you have? This is going to have a huge effect on how well your model train scenery goes over with those that take a look at it. The thing is you need your scenery to look larger that it actually is, and therefore the larger your area is, the larger you can make it look. Yes, I know that makes absolutely no sense, but in all actuality it’s quite plausible.
What you want to do is include some model train scenery that makes your environment look huge. One way to do this is have larger trees toward the front and have the trees be progressively smaller toward the back. This gives the illusion that you are actually looking far away when you’re in fact only looking a few feet away. You can also do this with buildings by purchasing tiny buildings for the far off areas and larger ones for close up. Perspective is everything when you’re dealing with model train scenery!
You’ll want to make sure that your scenery matches the train. For example, if you have chosen a train that is hauling wood or related materials you will want to have a rugged environment. That means more of a mountain setting with trees, etc. If you’ve chosen more of a freight train or even a passenger train, then you’ll want to either have an urban setting or maybe even a half and half setup.
On the subject of a half and half setup, you always want different scenes occurring. Basically, you want something new to look at every time your eyes move. That in mind, try not to overdo it by having too much activity. Yes, it’s confusing but you need to find the healthy middle ground.
One final note that you’re going to want to keep in mind is that you don’t want your train to move on a single straight track. You should have different routes for it to take, and even have it move through a tunnel if you can. Make sure you have access to the tunnel however, in the event that your train manages to break down inside. Other things that you could have going on include rivers running or even cars running up and down the streets if you can think of a viable way to do it.
There are many things you can do to spice up and enhance your model train scenery. It’s going to take a little bit of imagination, and possibly a lot of work. But as you know, hard work pays off, and it’s definitely going to show when you look at the finished product!
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Model Train Scale
So, you are thinking about getting into the model train hobby, but are not sure what model train scale is. This is really not that hard to explain, but it is important to know a few things. Scale is the size of the model train as compared to the life-sized train, whether it’s the engine, or other cars. A gauge is the distance between the track rails. Many beginners mistake these two and often interchange them, but this could anger more experienced modelers, and you should be really careful not to mix the two up when talking to other train enthusiasts.
The most widely recognized names in the modeling circuit are HO, N, O, G, and Z brands. HO is probably the most widely used, and the model train scale for these trains is 1:87, which means is that they 87th the scale of a real train. The other models are as follows, N-1:160, O-1:48, G-1:24, and Z-1:220. The O model trains are obviously the largest of the group and the Z the smallest.
There are a few reasons why HO has become one of the most popular of the model train scale brands, because it is really the best for many home model train layouts. It’s larger size makes them easy to handle and work with, and is easily expandable. They fit and show quite nicely even on the minimum decent layout of 8′x4′. The HO scale is also popular because it’s wide availability of ready to run kits, as well as any replacement parts or accessories.
The N and Z models are quite a bit smaller than the HO trains, and can be difficult to work with for beginners or people with large hands. If you can work with these sizes, you will find you can create some intricate lay outs, and be able to display them in places you wouldn’t normally think of like desktops, or shelves. Some people even make more elaborate scenes, and some even do layouts around the house. The only limitations on these models are your imagination.
O model train scale was once very popular, because of its size and playability. Many remember these trains under the Christmas tree, or a child’s’ play toy. Lionel was the biggest brand name of these trains, and they sounded quite realistic as the pounded around their track, going over trestles and passing switches.
If you are a gardening person, and would like to set up a train layout outside, the model train scale G is the most popular. They are large enough to be easily seen and the tracks can be laid out almost anywhere in the yard. If you are planning a garden, it may be a good idea to plan the trains layout first, then plant your garden around it. It will be much easier to put together, and you won’t have to worry about trying to get you train in between the plantings.
There are many different websites that can help the beginner. There is much more detailed information and model train scale, gauging, and many ideas for layouts. You can choose many simple layouts or more intricate designs. You are only limited by your abilities and imagination.
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Visit our Model Train Store for a great selection of model train sets and accessories or even just to browse for ideas.
