| #ffffff;" /> | | | | switch line, then travels forward onto a third line. |
| All rail track layouts, whether for model trains on | | | | Depending on your skill and the space you have |
| a 4ft x 4ft table top or for full size trains at a | | | | available you can combine any of these |
| major urban rail terminus, can be simplified down | | | | components into complete layouts of varying |
| to some basic components which are then used | | | | degrees of complexity. |
| to integrate into more complex layouts, depending | | | | To maximize the use of the space you have |
| on the needs of the designers. | | | | available for your model train layout, it is also |
| In the simplest terms these components are: | | | | possible to add even more complex components. |
| 1. stub end track – a straight track with | | | | These include: |
| buffers at each end. While this is probably the | | | | 1. turntables – small sections of track, |
| simplest it is relatively ineffective on its own. | | | | fixed to board or metal, that can be rotated to |
| Unless some option for turning your train at either | | | | allow a train to pass across to any number of |
| end is provided, your train is required to always | | | | alternative tracks. This gives far greater flexibility |
| reverse in one direction; | | | | to your layout while still keeping space |
| 2. circular track – simply goes round and | | | | requirements to a minimum; |
| round. This may be suitable for a model train | | | | 2. ‘sector plates’ – a |
| layout for young children, but, like the stub end | | | | variation of the standard turntable, these consist |
| track, not at all challenging for the model train | | | | of a section of track on a piece of board which |
| enthusiast in this simple form; | | | | pivots from where it is fixed at one end of a |
| 3. spur line – adding a spur to one side of a | | | | main track. This pivot movement allows the train |
| straight track provides an opportunity for | | | | to move to any one or more alternative tracks |
| switching, enabling your train to move off the | | | | but, unlike with the turntable, it is still proceeding in |
| main track but the return direction of your train | | | | the original direction. |
| still remains a problem; | | | | These basic track layout components are used to |
| 4. passing loop – if a second spur, in the | | | | design model train layouts from |
| opposite direction, is joined to the original spur | | | | ‘micro’ layouts as small as one |
| track, you have a loop which will allow trains to | | | | square foot to very extensive layouts like those |
| pass. The track goes from single track, to double | | | | seen at major exhibitions. |
| track, then back to single; | | | | Your track layout is limited by the space available, |
| 5. Y–end – if three switches are | | | | and by your design ingenuity. If you are short of |
| joined at one end of your straight track, this can | | | | ideas there are hundreds of these layouts |
| provide a turnaround track; | | | | available in magazines and on the internet. One |
| 6. balloon or paddle line – a switch from | | | | website alone has more than 1000 different |
| one side of a straight track circles around and | | | | layouts illustrated. |
| rejoins the straight track on the opposite side. | | | | If you are new to model railroading and have still |
| This paddle shape allows the train to travel | | | | to set up your first layout, or if you are wanting |
| continuously, returning to its starting point; | | | | to re-design or add to an existing layout, you |
| 7. switchback – when the train reaches the | | | | should get out the pencil and paper and research |
| stub end of a straight track, it reverses onto a | | | | as much as possible. |