Editing N scale (section)

== Standards ==
[[Image:Autopaxinc.jpg|right|thumb|A collection of N scale buildings and scenery]]
[[Image:Lms 4-6-0.JPG|thumb|A British model (made by PECO) of an LMS 4-6-0 'Jubilee' steam locomotive]]
[[Image:Nscaletrackforsize.jpg|right|thumb|Photo of section of N scale layout with track and a human hand shown for size comparison]]
[[Image:SP-GS4 4432.jpg|right|thumb| Close-up of N gauge Southern Pacific GS-4 #4432 by Con-cor]]

Standards useful to both manufacturers and modellers are maintained by [[MOROP]] in Europe and the [[NMRA]] in North America.  These standards are generally the same for such elements as track gauge, scale ratio, couplings, and electrical power, and differ for clearances and other factors that are specific to the prototype being modelled. The wheel and track standards are, however, slightly incompatible and most vendors follow neither standard in part because of this.

N scale locomotives are powered by [[Direct current|DC]] motors which accept a maximum of 12 V DC. In traditional DC control, the speed of the train is determined by the amount of voltage supplied to the rails. The direction of the train is determined by the polarity of the power to the rails. Since the end of the 20th century, an increasing number of enthusiasts have started using digital train control systems to determine the speed and direction of their trains. This has in part been made possible by [[surface mount]] technology and new motors that draw very little current (typically 0.2 amps). The most popular digital control systems used in N scale model railways are [[Digital Command Control|NMRA-DCC]] and [[Selectrix]].

The initial agreed-to standard coupling was known as a 'Rapido' coupler from the manufacturer ([[Arnold (models)|Arnold]]);<ref name=Smithpart2 /> this coupler had been produced under a license from TT-manufacturer Rokal.  Most companies developed their own variants of this coupler to avoid Arnold patents on the spring system. [[Graham Farish]] initially adopted a plastic flexible U rather than a spring, Peco used a compatible weighted coupler system (Elsie), and Fleischmann cunningly sidestepped the problem by using a sprung plate. All were compatible, though.

The Rapido coupler system works well, but is difficult to use for automatic uncoupling and also relatively large. In the US, Canada, and Australia, it has been largely superseded by a more realistic-looking magnetic knuckle coupler, originally made by [[Micro-Trains]] and branded Magne-Matic.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?_route_=magne-matic| title=Evolution of the Magne-Matic Coupler| website=Micro-Trains Line| date=2016| access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref> The MT couplers (as they are known) are more delicate and closer to scale North American appearance than Rapido couplers. Also, they can be opened by a magnet placed under the track. Other manufacturers, such as Atlas, McHenry and Kato, are now making couplers that mate with Micro Trains couplers.

European modellers have the option to convert the couplings on their rolling stock to the [[Fleischmann (model railroads)|Fleischmann]] Profi-Coupler system for more reliable operation should they wish to do so, but most N scale rolling stock continues to be manufactured with Rapido couplers - a design which is fairly robust and easy to mold. Modern N scale stock uses a standard NEM socket for couplers which allows different coupling designs to be used by simply pulling out the old coupler and fitting a new one of a different design. In the UK, vendors are increasingly shipping both NEM sockets for couplers and buckeye (knuckle) couplers. It is also very easy to use for coupling and uncoupling.