I was horribly confused reading much of this thread... I thought "N Gauge" was was Capt. Picard said before going to warp... :tb-biggrin::tb-rolleyes:
Positive, that's the Russian version, scale of #$%^ to * Ted (Teditor) Freeman From the Land Down Under where N Scale is 160-1 and N gauge is the track it runs on.
Sorry, in my previous post I was so confused over the N and 9 key I forgot to eNgage the quote I was refering to. Ted (Teditor) Freeman Still hanging upside down Down Under (does that make it 6 gauge?) (careful on the pronunciation!):tb-biggrin:
Gary, I wouldn't worry too much, this has been an enjoyable thread, I think we have all taken the mickey out of each other, that is what makes model railroading such an enjoyable hobby, and the best part about N Scale/Gauge is we really N joy it. No HO scalers were invited to this discussion and no N scalers were harmed in the making of this fun! Ted (Teditor) Freeman :tb-wink::thumbs_up:
Yes, I agree, this has been a fun and informative thread to read. I don't think any harm was intended or felt by anyone. My previous post aside, I do truly believe standard vocaublary is important and hopefully this thread will be useful to those who wonder about the difference.
It is unfortunate when someone steps up to give us definitions but clearly doesn't have the right information. It is lucky we have been able to straighten this out.
Good Humor No worries on that. We can even straighten things out when you are right (correct)! I always enjoy the laugh or two. :thumbs_up:
I used to think that, but why would he mess around with N gauge, I'd just replicate Cajon Pass full size in the holodeck.:tb-wink:
Japanese model trains are often referred to as 'nine gauge' rather than N gauge. The use of term varies from country to country. There are far more N gauge model railroaders in Japan than North America, by an ratio of about 20 to 1.
BTW the correct name for HO is H0 (H zero) rather than HO (H oh) as the original large scales or gauges were numbered gauge 0, gauge 1, gauge 2 and so on, and the smaller size was Half 0 gauge. In European publications and catalogs you will usually find it called H0.
Since I couldn't resist adding to this thread, I thought I'd add something to the discussion that I don't think has been mentioned. Many years ago I read that the reason that "N" scale or gauge (take your pick) was chosen as the size to be modeled was because the number "9" in many of the languages spoken in Europe all pronounced or spelled the number "9" with the letter "N". Some examples include: English: Nine German: Neun French: Neuf Italian: Nove Spanish: Nueve Danish: Ni Swedish: Nio Greek (Romanized pronunciation): Ennea You may have also noticed that I've given myself the name "Enwhycentral" not only because I model the New York Central, but also because the first letter in the abbreviated roadname is pronounced "En".
In an increasingly world wide market N scale may cause you grief. Most modelers will assume N scale is 1/160. But when you go on eBay or other internet sources N gauge can be 1/148, 1/150 or 1/160. Only the gauge is consistent, never the scale.
Holy Toledo,it Deja Vu all over again. Years ago in HO the hot topic was:Should we use 1/87th or 3.5mm? Years ago should we say 2-8-4 or shall we say 2+8+4? Years ago its turnout vs.switch. Years ago should it be N Scale or N Gauge? Folks,its nothing more then a play on words that mean basically the same dang thing except for those that like to complicate the matter with their thoughts.. To my mind its N SCALE. What's your choice?
I think it's been an eNGauging discussion, out of a Scale of ten, I would give it a Nine, that should make it quite Standard even for the Narrow minded. Teditor
You left out Japan!! :tb-shocked: Japan: kyu = nine Or if you wish to be able to count for yourself in Japanese: one ichi two ni three san four shi five go six roku seven shichi eight hachi nine kyu ten ju 'N'-Joy!! :tb-cool:
I think the N could also stand for "Newb", in my case I seem to be simply floored by more and more of the modelers around here, makes me feel like my modeling skills are barely up to snuff! Or maybe it stands for Neverending, because I can't seem to stop buying stuff I'll Never have room for! Sorry, still working on my coffee, I know I sound like a Numbskull
I have been away for 20 something years. My old Atlas tracks say, "N GAGE." I recently went to a train shop in Pasadena, CA, and the lady asked, "what scale do you model?" I replied, unknowingly incorrect for the times, "N gauge."
