History Of N Scale Model Trains

Author:

Gabriel Delaney

N scale model trains were first introduced in the early 1960s. Most historians credit the K. Arnold & Company with the introduction of the first commercially available N scale models. During the 1940s and 1950s, several companies led the charge to develop a smaller train scale. It was during this period that K. Arnold & Company helped drive standardization through the introduction of its Rapido coupler. By allowing other manufacturers to use the Rapido design, model train enthusiasts were able to couple together rolling stock from different manufacturers.

N scale trains have a large following globally and are only second in popularity to HO scale trains. This popularity can be attributed to several reasons. First, in countries such as Japan, N scale is the most popular scale due to limited space in the homes. Second, other hobbyists actually do not select these trains due to spatial limitations. Instead, they prefer to work with this scale and build a more complex and visually appealing model display.
Recently, this type of model has even become more popular in Australia. One of the reasons contributing to the growing popularity in this country has been the availability of local prototypes. In the past, Australian modelers could only choose from American, British, and European prototypes; Australia had no local prototypes available for the N scale. The creation of local Australian prototypes is now a burgeoning niche market that has been fueling the demand for N scale models in Australia every year.
Another interesting trend is the use of N scale trains and accessories with larger such as HO. For instance, N scale train and structures may often be included in an HO or larger model train layout to create the illusion that objects are further away than they really are. The smaller objects will be strategically placed in the background to create this forced perspective, creating additional depth to the overall display.
One of the most notable N scale projects was built in 1978 by Gordon Odegard. Dubbed the Clinchfield, this layout measured 6 feet by 13 feet. This layout was especially noteworthy due to its modular design and its use of aluminum and Styrofoam to reduce the overall weight among other features. The Clinchfield layout has received numerous accolades and has been displayed at a number of model train shows.
Although the N scale is not the smallest, it certainly is one of the more popular scales. Since its initial commercial introduction, the N scale model train is one that has provided countless hours of entertainment. Given its worldwide adoption and popularity, there is no doubt this scale will continue to provide pleasure to future generations of hobbyists.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/history-of-n-scale-model-trains-2081339.html


About the Author
Gabriel O. Delaney is a model train enthusiast. For more information on N scale model trains, check out http://www.ultimatemodeltraintips.com.