The basics of model railroad track

Comments MRR
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Join the discussion on the following article:

The basics of model railroad track

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I recently visited an n scle layout in a three car garage where the track used is Kato unitrack, an all-in-one track system. I thought it looked good. Wish we would have had all-in-one when I was a kid. I can guarantee that the basement layout would have been a whole lot bigger. I can remember dad painstakingly tacking down track over cork roadbed. With the all-in-one I would have had no trouble building a layout by myself even at my young age.

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would someone please comment on what you use to get that effect of a real looking rock road bed and a long time track of years of dirt packed around road ties? thank you very much

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Could someone tell me the best way to make a double crossover auto instead of manual Thanks

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I believe it is always beneficial to get back to basics no matter where you are in model railroading. This is why I’ve subscribed to this series of ABCs in the hobby. Thank you for the series.

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Thanks for the useful tips. My wife and I are just starting a HO scale train layout and we are laying the cork railroad bed and track now. These articles are on target for us.

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I agree that it’s always good to revisit the basics. And I’ve foreward this series to a new hobbist to stimulate his interest. Somethimes those of us in the hobby for years fail to appreciate how intimidating some things are to the beginner, especially when they see the awsome rr empires featured in the magazines.

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One of the reasons I signed up for a subscription to this magazine instead of buying it in the bookstore are articles like this. I am a newbie at 55, building my first layout, and articles like this are a huge help.

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After working for forty years installing railroad track bolts, it bring me much joy to move on to model trains. They may not be as big as the real ones, but it’s still fun. http://www.yangtzeproducts.com/product-cataloge/Bolts%20and%20Nuts/index.html

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This is helping me a lot as a beginner in the hobby. Thanks.

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Since I am starting again but don’t remember all the things I need to know I am finding these articles very useful and helpful. These lessons will save me a lot of time by not making the mistakes that I could make.
I am planning to build a rather intricate set-up. I am patient and I have built furniture as a hobby. Thanks for the help. By the way I am 81 but my sight is still good. Can’t wait to get started.

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great help for any one getting back into the hobby or just getting started. Ive learned more all ready from these e-mails
that I can go to my hobby shop and not feel intimidated by asking dumb questions.

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Is there an article explaining the turnouts geometry? When you use a 45 degree turnout to match another line (and another turnout), how to calculate the angles and rail extensions you need to have a perfect match?
I am using Any Rail to design my layouts but unfortunately it is not an easy job to make the ends match.
I always find the same explanation about the number of turnouts but nothing deeper.
BTW: I use Lionel fasttrack “O” gauge.
Thanks

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about track plans i wish someone would show detail plans on radius curves. when laying down cork and track. dont quite unerstand about drawing lines with pencil and ruler. thanks guys

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I enjoy all the articles. I need lots of detail information though. I am not mathematically inclined. I do enjoy Codys tips. Any detailed help would be nice. David from North Carolina

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I am 77 and starting with HO after many years in Lionel Tinplate. Looking forward to a new perspective on model railroading!

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Perfect for me! I have learned a ton about these tracks and turnouts. I also can’t wait to get a turnout.

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Is there a way to integrate other manufacturer’s track into Atlas True-Track code 65? There are elements like crossing and turn-outs that I would like to use but Atlas code 65 do not encompass them.