A number of modellers in the United Kingdom use 2 mm scale, a closer-to-scale standard than N scale. 2 mm scale, as the name implies, is scaled at 2 mm to the foot (1:152) with a 9.42 mm track gauge. Nearer to scale appearance is achieved by finer rail, flange and crossing dimensions than commercial N gauge (9mm gauge) components. A variation of the 2mm standards is used by the FiNe group for 1:160 scale. It uses the same rail, flange and crossing dimensions as 2mm (1:152) standards, but with a track gauge of 8.97mm, and corresponding reduction in back-to-back. FiNe is dominated by European modellers.
OOO models
In 1961 Lone Star introduced some of the very first (1:160) N scale models branded as Treble-0-Lectric (OOO) into the United Kingdom. The original die-cast metal models were push along and gauged to run on a die-cast trackwork having a gauge that was closer to 8 mm. Coupling was via a simple loop and pin arrangement. The novelty of the "Lone Star Locos" line was such that they even found their way to the United States and were sold in the toys area of major department stores like J.J. Newberry.
Electrified models followed soon after. The track gauge was widened to a nominal 9 mm and rails were isolated with non-conductive ties (sleepers) for DC operation. A different coupling based on a shrunken OO scale coupling was fitted. The OOO couplings and specifications have long since been replaced by commercial N scale manufacturers.
Japanese N scale
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