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Home > A Guide To Laying Model Railroad Track
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A Guide To Laying Model Railroad Track
by Alan Placer
The excitement builds as the new model train set is being opened. To beginners the task may seem daunting, because now comes the planning and design aspects. There are some tools that will not be in the box, so now is the time to gather up a few things. Additional tools needed include a small hammer, utility knife, needle nose pliers and extra track nails. Some kits will require you solder track joints together. Keep this in mind when gathering tools.
Tracks are sized numerically, for example, code 83 tracks are larger than code 55 tracks. Smaller tracks are traditionally used for branch lines. The main track will have a track bed, so branch lines may need height adjustments to line up correctly. Like any project, dry runs are important. Remember the layout is only limited by imagination. Many enthusiasts use flexible track that can literally be curved to any radius needed.
Traditionalists enjoy the complexity of designing tracks without using flexible track. Track laying for many is an art, requiring planning and experimentation.
Lay out the track without connecting. When the layout is perfect, trace the design with a pencil using the track of course as the template. There are many basic designs for beginners, but experimentation never hurts. Depending on space and size of the set, anything is possible. There can be staging areas, turnarounds, tunnels and bridges. As a side note, s-shaped curves should always have a straight section of track between them. The straight section prevents derailment coming out of the curves.
The roadbed is typically cork or foam. The material can be purchased specifically for track beds at specialty shops. Remember the track bed will have the same layout as the track. Using the pencil lines as a guide start gluing the road bed down in sections. When the roadbed is secured, it will have the same dimensions as the track. Everyone loves the look of a raised track bed so many do not elevate their branch lines. Keep this in mind when doing connections. Have some small shims handy to slide under the branch lines.
Some individuals like to hand lay their track. The process is time consuming but rewarding. The track is laid over individual railroad ties. The process is in essence building a track bed from raw materials.
The tracks can be glued or nailed to the bed. When gluing flex track on curves the section may not hold its form long enough for the glue to set. The track joints can be soldered together to hold their position while the glue sets.
After you lay the track, all you'll need are some buildings, trees, telephone poles, etc., to make your railroad set-up look real. Browse through a hobby shop for materials and don't forget to use your imagination.
About the Author
Established in 1975, Hobbymasters is one of the largest and oldest hobby stores in the country. With over 7,000 square feet on two floors, we have something for everyone to enjoy! Most of our hobby experts have been employed with us for at least 20 years, and their combined expertise covers every field of the hobby industry. Visit us at hobbymasters.com or call (732) 842-6020.
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