The Best N Scale Train Sets – A Complete buying guide

If you are looking for the best N Scale Train Sets available on the market, you have found the most comprehensive, in-depth article covering not only the buying phase but everything else you need to know about this scale.

What is a train set? What does it include?

It usually includes the engine (locomotive) and few cars. Depending on the purchase price, the number of cars the set includes will fluctuate. But you should expect to have at least 3 cars for any train set.

What is a N Scale Train?

The “N” is short for “NINE”, referring to the gauge between the rails which is 9mm. The N Scale train sets (1:160) were produced starting with 1962 in Germany. Five years later, by 1967, Aurora introduced their line of model trains called “Postage Stamp Trains”.
Today the N Scale Train sets are the second most popular model trains right after the HO scale.

Why to buy N Scale Sets? Why not another scale?

While HO scale is the most popular scale available today, N scale is greatly used mainly because of the smaller (but not too small) dimensions, which captivated many rail model hobbyists.
Thanks to its size, you can create long track lines surrounded by great scenic vistas without having the need of a large space, N scale train sets are almost a half of the HO scale size.

What are some examples of affordable N Scale Train Sets?

Some good examples for birthday gifts for any train model enthusiast.

N Scale train sets run anywhere between $60 to a whooping $400 per set. Let’s take a look at the one in the lower spectrum, the ones under $100 per set.

Bachmann Trains – Super Chief Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale

This is a great set for any Super Chief enthusiast, the train is ready to run on any N Scale track. It is powered by F7-A Diesel Locomotive with Operating Headlight. The set includes Box Car, Steel Gondola Car and Off-Set Cupola Caboose.
It comes with a 24” circle of nickel silver E-Z Track, a power pack and a speed controller. If you are limited by space, this is a great set. The set is not recommended for kids under 14 years old.

Bachmann Trains – Thunder Valley Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale

Another great N scale train set under $100, the Bachmann Thunder Valley, powered by the well known EMD GP40 Diesel Locomotive, equipped with an operating headlight. The set includes a steel reefer car, three-dome tank car and wide-vision caboose. It is ready to run, with a 24” circle of nickel silver E-Z track included, Power pack and Speed Controller present as well. The set is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Bachmann Trains – The Stallion Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale

The last N scale train set we’re looking at is The Stallion, a great train set, which includes a gondola car, single-dome tank car and a wide-vision caboose. The package includes 24” Circle of Nickel Silver E-Z Track, Power Pack and Speed Controller. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

The second category of prices to take a look at would be the N scale train sets priced between $100 and $200.

This category has many options, while most of the N Scale Train sets are within this price range, we will take another approach in listing them.
Below you can find a list of 10 most wanted sets under $200.

N Scale Train Sets between $100 and $200

Bachmann N Scale Train Sets – Who are they?
I am sure you have noticed that most of the train sets listed here are from Bachmann, which is a great rail model company since 1833.

The company is one of the largest distributor of train sets, they are also the only company to offer products in all five scales: N, HO, On30, O and Large Scale.