N Scale LocomotiveN Scale Locomotive Engines

The modern N scale locomotive has been available for purchase since 1962 when the N gauge train or N scale model trains were commercially launched by the Arnold Trains Company in Nuremberg. The popularity of N scale locomotives is unmatched among small model train and micro trains enthusiasts.

N scale trains or N gauge engines as they are also called should run on any 9 mm N gauge track for model railroads. A few of the most popular versions of these model train tracks are: Atlas Flex Track, Life-Like Trains Power-Link N Scale Track and more.

The popularity of N gauge is a result of its small size, the space limitations of model railroaders, and also technological advances within the industry. What does all of this mean for apartment dwellers and other people who have limited space? It means that they can model a magnificent model railway layout in an area that is much smaller than HO, O, G or other larger scale model railroads.

Popular N Scale Locomotive Models

N scale locomotives are available from a variety of manufacturers including: Atlas, Bachman, Kato, Athearn, Arnold, Life-Like, Micro-Trains Line, Con-Cor, and a number of others. Just a few of the most popular model railroad locomotives engines are listed below. There are many, many more you can choose from depending on your model railroading needs.

In addition to a wide selection of electric, diesel, and steam locomotives avail for this popular small scale trains hobby, there is a huge amount of accessories like: roadbed, road building materials, model train scenery, trees, mountains etc. And, no model railroad layout would be complete without rolling stock, N Scale Buildings, and other structures.

Also, the N gauge model railroad hobbyist has available to him or her, a smorgasbord of other model railway accessories from which to choose. There are many types of “scale” people figures, lampposts, trucks, houses, barns, cars, animals, boats, N scale trolley cars, and well; I could go on and on. The point is… you got a lot of model train accessories from which to choose.

 

Pennsylvania Railroad N Scale Locomotive Video

Aside from being a widely popular and extremely fun hobby, N scale model railroads can be built in some of the tiniest of spaces. One of the best examples of an N gauge train layout utilizing a small space is Dave Vollmer's N Scale Pennsylvania Railroad Video shown below. Not only is this a quality video production, but the model train layout is outstanding and showcases just what can be done with an N scale train set, a 36” interior door, a little patience and some creativity! Great job Dave!

If space is not much of a consideration for you, a 4x8 layout on a piece of plywood would afford you the opportunity to go hog wild with your N gauge model railway. Because of the size of these small trains, you can fit a lot of scenery, structures, rolling stock and an N scale locomotive or 12. Get creative and get moving. This is a great hobby to be involved in.

Realistic N Gauge Model Railroad

Detail and realism are one of the hallmarks of this particular scale model train hobby. Natural landscape features for N scale scenery like trees, mountains, valleys and water can be crafted to really dwarf the model train locomotives, and rolling stock. The size of these micro trains lends itself well to the hobbyist’s ability to the detail and realism for realistic model train scenery.

There are a number of different ways to create realistic terrain for your model train layout. One involves using screen, another utilizes cardboard webbing, and still another uses balled up newspaper covered with strips of cheese cloth impregnated with a plaster type coating. The latter of the three is my personal preference. It is the easiest, and quickest from my experience.

Model Railroad Clubs

A local N Gauge or N scale model railroad club is an excellent way for newcomers to get their feet wet and explore this wonderful hobby. You’ll find many helpful folks in these clubs who are willing to share their experiences and guide you in mastering model rail road scenery building skills. Take a look online to find a model train club in your local area. You’ll be glad you did.

On a national level, model railroaders can join The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). This is an organization made up of model railroaders and their goal is to advance the scale model railroading hobby and community through education, standards, advocacy and fellowship.

N Gauge Engines

In summary, model railroading in general and N scale in particular, is an excellent hobby to be involved in. It will provide you with an unlimited amount of fun and creative stimulation. It’s not a “sit and grow numb” type of hobby.

Once you begin building your model train layouts and buy N scale locomotive engines, you’ll get the fever. You’ll always be thinking about planning, building, model weathering and improving your model railway layout.

Railroad Locomotive Links

The prototype locomotives and rolling stock that N scale locomotives are patterned after always fascinate and entertain most model railroad hobbyist's. If you're into videos of prototype or model American locomotives, European locomotives, Japanese locomotives, and more; YouTube is a great site to visit to see video of steam, diesel, and electric locos.

Another great way to get involved in the "real life" aspect of railroading is to visit a railroad museum or a local rail yard or train station. Seeing these iron horses up close will likely get the creative juices flowing, plus it will make a great outing for the family or significant other.

So, if you are looking for an addition to your model railroad layout, you've come to the right place. You're sure to find just the right shiny new N Scale Locomotive in our listings.