N Scale trains were first created in 1962 in Germany. Five years later, they appeared in the United States as a line of “postage stamp trains” put out by Aurora.

Starting off as a novelty scale, it has become incredibly popular. While the large HO scale (1:87 scale) is the most popular scale, N scale trains (ranging from 1:148 to 1:160) is easily the second most popular model railroading size. The “N” in N scale refers to the number nine, suggesting the 9mm gauge between the rails of the N Scale track.

N Scale is generally about half the size of HO Scale. Additionally, there are smaller commercially available scales including Z Scale (1:220), and T Scale (1:450 or 1:480.)

The most important advantage of an N Scale model railroad is that you can have a large volume railroad in a smaller area devoted to it. It fits in tinier spaces, yet still features incredible quality at a lower cost. Many modelers choose N Scale because it affords them an easier way to create a complex and extensive layout including prototypical length trains of 100 cars and realistic scenery and towns.

Unsurprisingly, there are high-quality road names, locomotives, and accessories available for N Scale model trains and all of them have an unexpected degree of detail.

At Horizon Hobby, you can shop HO scale and N scale steam and diesel locomotives, N scale passenger cars, N scale freight cars, N scale cabooses, and many parts and accessories from top-of-the-line brands such as Athearn®, Roundhouse, and McHenry. Horizon Hobby can help you build your dream model railroad layout. It’s your vision, and Horizon is the right place to make it come true.

Horizon Hobby features Athearn trains and accessories. For more than 60 years, Athearn has delivered a wide range of top-quality models in a variety of scales. With Athearn, you get the detail, high-quality and value that appeal to all modelers. Wherever you go in the hobby-from buying your first set to building your dream layout-we're here to help you every step of the way.