Why are some scales written with a lower case n, as in HOn3?
Consider it a handy abbreviation that describes not only the modeling scale but also the track gauge used for a particular model pike. The “n” signals that it is narrow gauge — in this case, 3 feet. (Standard gauge track has rails 4’8-1/2″ apart.) Other variations include Gn3, On3, HOn2-1/2, and Nn3. 2. Which is better, HO or N scale? Both. Each scale offers advantages that the other can’t match, and for a particular modeler, this makes all the difference in the world. HO is the most popular and thus has the broadest availability of rolling stock, building kits, and other scale materials needed to complete a scene. Most modelers simply like its middle-of-the-road size. But it’s difficult to run 50-car trains on even medium-sized HO layouts. In N scale, size does matter, especially to those who simply don’t have much space for a layout. And product availability hasn’t been an issue in more than a decade as the scale continues to expand. But N scale is not for the vision impaired or for
