steam locomotives

[too_curious128]

Hello,

I have a couple of Bachmann steam locomotives.  I am interested in crafting my own North Pole. I have checked a few places for the ratio for N-gauges, I have a few different answers.

So my question is; what is the ratio for the N-gauge Prarie Flyer? Is it 1:160 or 1:180 or something different? I just want the buildings to be in ratio with the locomotive.

Thank you,
TC

[mhampton]

Welcome to the board!  I know what you are asking, but just to be clear, you are using the term N-gauge when I think you should be using N-scale.  A lot of people use the terms interchangeably, but in reality they refer to two separate things.  Gauge is a reference to the distance between the rails.  Standard N-gauge is 9mm.  Scale is the reduction from reality used in our modeling.  N-scale in the USA and many other parts of the world is 1:160.  Slightly smaller scales, like 1:180 can be used quite effectively with background buildings to make them look farther away and give a sense of forced perspective.