What Those Narrow Gauge Numbers Stand For In Model Railroading

December 5, 2005

In model railroading, narrow gauge models use the lower case letter “n” to follow the scale and then the track gauge in scale feet. Example: HOn3 means HO scale (1:87 proportion narrow gauge 3 feet between the tracks.). HOn2 would be HO scale narrow gauge 2 feet between the tracks.

There are few narrow gauge railroads still in operation. Some have been converted to the standard railroad system. Others have been dismantled and turned into scrap. Even though narrow gauge railroads were inexpensive to build, off loading and on loading became too much of an expense. Each time a narrow gauge railroad met a standard gauge railroad, shipments would have to be unloaded and reloaded.