Editing N scale (section)

== History ==
[[Image:Kato 13709-2 SBB Re 460.jpg|thumb|right|A modern [[Kato Precision Railroad Models|Kato]] model of [[Swiss Federal Railways|SBB]] [[SBB-CFF-FFS Re 460|Re 460]] electric locomotive, featuring the ubiquitous [[Arnold (models)|Arnold]] "Rapido" coupler]]
[[Image:Virginia Farmlands Rwy 2 SW8 @ Doorstown 6-17-2007.JPG|thumb|SW-8 switcher]]

Although trains and accessories of similar gauge or scale existed as early as 1927, modern commercially produced N-scale models were first launched by the [[Arnold (models)|Arnold]] company of [[Nuremberg]] in 1962.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/arnold-n-1-160.html| title=The German pioneer of N gauge| website=Hornby Arnold| publisher=Hornby Hobbies| access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name=RMC2016>{{cite web| url=http://rrmodelcraftsman.com/model-train-scale-gauge/| title=Model Train Scale and Gauge| website=Railroad Model Craftsman| publisher=White River Productions| date=December 25, 2016| access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref> Unlike other scales and gauges, which were ''de facto'' standards at best, within two years N-scale manufacturers defined the gauge and voltage, as well as the height and type of couplers.  For example, Arnold developed the now ubiquitous "Rapido" coupler to provide a simple and robust releasable coupler design.<ref name=Smithpart2 />  Although the original Arnold coupler has been joined by more functional and aesthetically pleasing designs, Arnold allowed use of the Rapido design by other manufacturers, so established a common standard to couple together rolling stock from different sources.<ref name=Smithpart2 />

N scale has a large worldwide following. Models are made of very many standard gauge [[prototype]]s from every continent. N scale's popularity is second only to that of HO.<ref name=RMC2016 /> In Japan, where space in homes is more limited, N scale is the most popular scale, and HO scale is considered large. Not all modellers select N because they have small spaces; some use N scale to build more complex or more visually expansive models.

N scale in Australia has become more popular over the years. Modellers use mainly US, British, and European prototypes because for a long time, the Australian market had no N-scale models of local prototypes. The creation of local prototypes is now a flourishing "cottage" industry, making Australia N-scale modelling more popular each year.

N-gauge track and components are also used with larger scales, in particular [[H0e scale|H0e]] (or "HOe") and [[00-9]] scale for modelling narrow-gauge railways. N-scale models on [[Z scale|Z-scale]] track are used to model metre gauge ([[Nn3]]<ref name=S-1.2 />). A small amount of 2-foot (Nn2<ref name=S-1.2 />) industrial narrow-gauge modelling in N scale using custom track is done, but suppliers of parts are few. Nn18 layouts use [[T-scale]] track and mechanisms to represent [[minimum-gauge railway]]s. N-scale trains and structures are often used on HO or larger layouts to create forced perspective, or the illusion that an object is further away than it actually is.