Does European N scale operate on North American track and power?

[Scottl]

I've been having a blast in Germany this fall, riding trains and trams daily and a few long trips on the ICE and other trains.  I find the density of activity fascinating, and the equipment is all very different from what I am used to in North America.

The town I am in has three LHS devoted to trains (150 000 people), and I don't have time to see all to possibilities in Berlin.  One of these units caught my eye on the shelf the other day:

http://www.reynaulds.com/products/Piko/40202.aspx

I ride one of these frequently and having a  model to put on the shelf or maybe run on my tracks on occasion has some appeal.  I might even try a small diorama with overhead wires and some funky, half restored or neglected former GDR buildings.  It was not clear to me at the shop if the track it runs on is the same gauge as North American track, and if the power is the same (DC or DCC). 

The answers may be very simple, but are there other things I should be watching out for if I buy products in Europe and try to bring them to North America?

[peteski]

European N scale (1:160) and N gauge track (9mm) is the same as in USA. So is the operating voltage (0-12V DC).  Totally compatible.  The DCC versions nowadays should also be fully compatible. At the dawn of DCC, there were several systems in Europe which were not compatible.  But once Lenz system morphed inot the current DCC standard, all the newer decoders are DCC compliant.

British have their version of N scale which is slightly different, but that is a small section of the hobby.

[Scottl]

Great, thanks!

[garethashenden]

British and Japanese N are different scales but it all has the same track gauge and current.

[peteski]

British and Japanese N are different scales but it all has the same track gauge and current.

The Japanese N scale is 1:150 (because most of their models depict narrow gauge trains).  I think that British N scale is 1:140-something.  But isn't there something like British fine scale which uses gauge other than 9mm?

[wes_sutton]

British RTR is 1.:148

Finescale is 1:152  http://www.2mm.org.uk/about2mm.htm

Availability of the British RTR market is comparable to European N these days 

[babbo_enzo]

European N scale (1:160) and N gauge track (9mm) is the same as in USA. So is the operating voltage (0-12V DC).  Totally compatible.  The DCC versions nowadays should also be fully compatible. At the dawn of DCC, there were several systems in Europe which were not compatible.  But once Lenz system morphed inot the current DCC standard, all the newer decoders are DCC compliant.
British have their version of N scale which is slightly different, but that is a small section of the hobby.

Yes, everything is correct ...  Electric interface is compatible, Gauge ( 1:160) too , but ... problems can arise when European cars are rolling on "some" US tracks:
 Consider that European models use NEM Standard and US model use NMRA standards. This is particular important in turnouts "tolerances". Can happen that a NEM freight car or a loco don't track so well on an NMRA turnout and the same for an US model on NEM turnouts.
 Consider also the "standard" wheel border in European model are "deeper" ( that's the reason we call them "Pizza cutter" ) that present nearly popular US "low profile".
 I've done an article to compare NMRA and NEM track dimensions (if you can translate from Italian ?):
 http://www.amiciscalan.it/files/StandardperScambieRuoteinscalaN.pdf
 Well... take care!

[ljudice]

For what it's worth, I've never had problems with any European N-models on Peco Code 55 track, including some older stuff picked up on Ebay.

I don't think there's ever been a better time for European modeling - although there is less to choose from for systems outside Germany, Switzerland, Austria - and Spain (a more recent phenomenon). A lot of smaller firms have sprung up (like Euro version of BLMA, Bluford, etc) doing smaller runs of more accurate models. And the big firms are back on track, producing quite a bit of new stuff.

I am no expert on exchange rates, but prices seem to be lower in the US as well. Or maybe the rising prices of US models just make them look less shockingly expensive.

- Lou

[keeper]

For what it's worth, I've never had problems with any European N-models on Peco Code 55 track, including some older stuff picked up on Ebay.

That's true. But this is because of how the Peco track is constructed.
You might run into problems when you use European models on say Atlas code 55 track.

Thomas

[Scottl]

Great, all interesting and helpful.  Thanks.

I think the prices are higher here but it is hard to resist when faced with a well-stocked train store 

To adjust the topic a bit, is there functional overhead wire powering available?  I think it is particularly interesting and would be neat to model, but the online materials are a bit bewildering.    Minatur Wunderland had everything wired up in HO, but the overhead wire was cosmetic.

[ljudice]

That's true. But this is because of how the Peco track is constructed.
You might run into problems when you use European models on say Atlas code 55 track.

Thomas

Actually you will!!!       Of course I've had problems running anything on Atlas Code 55...

My point was that specifically Peco Code 55, which I know is hated by many, will definitely work! 

[ljudice]

To adjust the topic a bit, is there functional overhead wire powering available?  I think it is particularly interesting and would be neat to model, but the online materials are a bit bewildering.    Minatur Wunderland had everything wired up in HO, but the overhead wire was cosmetic.

Yes! From Somerfeldt - and I can tell you that if installed properly, you're more likely to injure yourself by banging
into it than knock it down.  It is a very rugged and well designed system.  I would hate to have to build it over a large
layout though.  In N-scale there are fewer options for complex trackage areas than HO.  My thought had always been to build the supports - but not the wires themselves. Most electric loks have a switch to choose between two rail or rails and catenary.

You can find German and Swiss catenary - of course supports for other countries can also be found from specialty
model makers for high prices...   The Swiss system is not as extensive in N as the German system. 

It's funny, I never had much interest in European railways until I spend a lot of time there in the late 1990's early
2000's.  At the time there was very little available here - most of the manufacturers were in bankruptcy and stuff
was just impossible to find.  I gave up - and now of course there is a ton of stuff available. And pretty easy to come
by in the US.

In a lot of ways, European railways are better suited for model railroading - high density of operations, shorter trains (freight at least),  electric powered, etc...  don't get me started!!!!


- Lou

[Scottl]

Thanks Lou, I'll check it out.

[keeper]

My point was that specifically Peco Code 55, which I know is hated by many, will definitely work! 

Not by me. I like it. 

[ljudice]

Thanks Lou, I'll check it out.

No problem - I should also mention though the "800 pound dead moose in the corner" with respect to Euro-N -->>  the stupid Rapido couplers.

It just amazes me there is so little,  broad progress on that...  Also, forget about painting/decalling your own models.  There is nothing really available unless you make your own.