| What you need to know about model train tracks | | | | make sure that when you cut a rail that you file |
| when you start designing your layout. The first | | | | the end smooth; this will prevent problems with |
| thing you need to consider is, what type of track | | | | track joint and derailment. |
| you are going to use. You can use sectional, which | | | | The most impressive and realistic model railroad |
| has preset radius and lengths. Sectional track is | | | | track is the scratch built. This track is a lot more |
| probably the easiest to install. Just keep in mind | | | | difficult to install. When installing scratch built you |
| that you need to test fit the track to your layout | | | | must first lay your ties down on your roadbed, |
| before the permanent installation. You can find | | | | the same way the real railroad is built. You will |
| sectional track in many different radius-es varying | | | | need to make sure you lay all of your ties the |
| with the gauge you are using. For instance HO | | | | same distance apart and that they are the right |
| scale 10", 11.25", 12.5", 13.75", 15" 16.5", 18.75", 20" | | | | size for the gauge railroad you are modeling. |
| in full and half and 30.609", and 71" section | | | | After laying the track ties you must lay the track |
| sectional track. When using sectional the greater | | | | attaching it to the ties. When scratch building track |
| the radius the smother your train will run. | | | | you have to keep both rails the correct distance |
| The flex-track is the next best for building a | | | | apart (track gauge) for your train to stay on the |
| great looking layout. Flex-track is a long section of | | | | rails. If you are good at scratch building your track |
| track that can be bent into almost any radius. | | | | you may want to try to scratch build your turn |
| When using flex-track you can draw the center | | | | outs and crossings, Turn outs can be very tedious |
| line of you model train roadbed on your layout | | | | to scratch build, but if you can do this you will |
| and bend the flex track to math your drawing. | | | | wind up with the most realistic looking layout. |
| When modeling curves with flex-track, the ends | | | | Now that we have looked at all three types of |
| of the rails will not stay straight. You will need to | | | | tracks, let's look at maybe using more than one |
| cut the longer rail off to match the short rail. The | | | | type. For instance you could use scratch built on |
| flex-track looks more real because you do not | | | | straight-a-ways and sectional or flex on the turns |
| have a break in the rail every 5 or 6 inches. | | | | and sectional turn outs. Most modelers that do not |
| Flex-track will have to be cut where turnouts are | | | | scratch build, usually uses a combination of flex |
| installed. The length of the flex track varies | | | | and sectional track. Whichever you decide to use |
| according to manufacture and gauge. Always | | | | just remember always have fun. |