I don't know if you've been here before but If you're interested in the history of N-scale you may want to check out this link. I found it interesting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_gauge See ya Ron
Here's another one, which has some photos of some of the representative models from the 'early days'! http://billsrailroad.tripod.com/history.html
And I wonder why I didn't get involved with N scale back when. I was working in a local LHS when we got our first N scale, Kato/Atlas, SD9, in the Black Widow Paint scheme. I can point to that unit and say with a clear conscientious, this was the pivotal point that marked the start of quality N scale products. It still runs on my layout pulling local switch jobs, an occasional coal train in the company of other Atlas locomotives and those occasional commuter passenger trains. All I had to say, so long ago, "FINALLY". Oh, and yes it now sports Micro-Trains Knuckle Couplers.
