I've heard of model trains before, but I'm not familiar with model specifications. Can you tell me more about what an N scale model is?
The letter refers to the size of the train.  N scale trains are a little smaller than most of the models that people like to collect.
Gotcha. Looks like an N model is a 1:160 scale. What's the letter/number desgination for the "standard" model most people like to collect?
Those are HO scale trains.  I have one that size as well.  I just like the smaller one
I understand. I assume it's easier to maintain, manage, and fit in smaller areas? Are there any other advantages to having a slightly smaller N scale model train?
I wouldn't say there's an advantage other than as you said it takes up less space.  I live in a rather small apartment so that's why I choose N scale.  Someday perhaps I'll have space for a larger set up
Makes sense. Apartments are usually smaller. Hopefully you can upgrade to a larger place in the near future and start collecting some of those HO scale trains. I see here that they're 1:87, so they're almost twice as large as N scale trains!
Indeed, it is challenging sometimes to make the small scenery needed for the N scale trains.  I enjoy trying to create some of the small detailed objects though.