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Model Train Track - Considerations For Your Track
Model Train Track - Considerations For Your Track
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Guest
Guest
Apr 22, 2022
5:11 AM
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When you create your hobby railroading layout, you can get as simple or as complicated with your model train track design as you want. The track products you need to purchase are determined by your overall track design.
One determining factor when creating your design is how much space you have available for your setup. You do not want to design a layout only to find out it won't fit in the space you have allotted for your hobby.
You want to create your layout on paper before you start assembling anything. You also want to plan your design to allow for future growth.
Once you have your layout configured, you can determine the lengths of track you need. Your particular layout may require odd track lengths or the use of half-track sections. To create custom track lengths, you can use place a track section in a bench vise and cut it to the required length with a hacksaw.
You will need not only straight track sections, but radius track sections as well. Radius track sections are available in various radius sizes, so you must determine which track pieces will work to produce your specific layout design.
Not all curved track dimensions are stated in terms of radius. When purchasing O scale products such as locomotives and track, you will see a labeling system using terms such O27 or O36. The number following the O is the curve diameter in inches.
In the HO scale of trains, track dimensions are stated in terms of radius. Atlas HO True-Track in a 24" radius requires 16 sections of 24" radius track to complete a full 48" diameter circle. Atlas HO True-Track in an 18" radius requires 12 sections to create a circle with a 36" diameter.
In addition to straight and curved track components, there are other categories for track such as flex track, crossings, and turnouts. The track components available will vary among manufacturers.
The products you need are also based on whether or not you are placing your track on an integrated roadbed. Do not assume that one brand of integrated roadbed track is compatible with another, either.
Flex track is exactly what the name implies. It attached directly to the roadbed and allows you to design curves in just about any radius you want. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how fancy you get with your design, it serves absolutely no purpose at all if your train cannot maneuver it.
Atlas Superflex track comes in 3-foot sections that can be easily bent and shaped to form curves of any radius. It can also be custom cut to any size you need using a hacksaw or modelers super-saw.
Crossings are junctions on your track where a track heading in one direction crosses a track heading in another direction. Crossings are sold in different degrees, and these vary based on the specific brand of track.
Turnouts, often called switches, are track sections that allow an entering train to choose its route on one of two or three different tracks. If the switch is "closed," the train remains on its current path and does not make a switch. If the switch is "thrown," the train will proceed on the alternate route selected instead.
You can easily see now why you don't want to jump in and start assembling your model train track without any forethought into your design. There is a lot of flexibility in the track design. You will be glad you went through a proper planning process when you start work on the actual construction of your track.
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mshahid
Guest
Apr 22, 2022
5:11 AM
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