The joy of collecting trains is incomplete if you just let them collect dust on table tops or display shelves. These models need to be run! That's what makes them so special and nothing brings these trains to life like a well made railroad layout. For that reason, in the world of model railroading, you can never forget about your model railroad tracks.
Trains are designed to be run so they need tracks. Since the trains come in different scales, the tracks to accommodate them do as well. Usually the scale letter (O, HO, and N) is also the corresponding track gauge (example: an O scale train will need an O gauge track to run on). This gauge is actually the distance between the two metal rails that the train's wheels go into. Only trains designed to go on the specific gauge can run on that specific gauge track. The N scale, for example, is actually named after the gauge. N in N scale stands for nine millimeter, which is the approximate gauge of the tracks N scale models run on. Scales and track gauges are not the same thing though. Some trains are said to be in a semi-scale. These models are in the same size as other trains but have wider or narrower wheels to accommodate a different gauge.
Once you're certain of your gauges, you can start getting the tracks you need. Make sure you get the right number of rails though! Some tracks have three rails, the extra rail in the middle. This is because manufacturers found that using three rails gave better electrical grounding, reducing short circuits. They also found that wiring three rails into the other accessories on the train set was easier. This gave three rail trains the ability to activate certain accessories as they passed. Despite their advantages, the third rail is unrealistic for many hobbyists and many still prefer the two rail tracks. It's up to you though. Just be sure your trains and tracks go together as trains designed for three rail tracks will not operate on two rail tracks without being modified.
Tracks are usually bought in segments. These smaller tracks are then pieced together to make an entire railroad layout. The basic building blocks for these segmented track layouts are the straight segments and the curved segments. With just these two types of track segments, you can already create a basic circular track that ensures your train keeps running. It is rare that you would just want a circular track though. Fortunately, the hobby has grown to cater even the most particular of tastes. There are crossings and switches readily available to make the rail road of your dreams a reality. There are even folding bridges and special tracks that animate some of your train's functions, like automatically decoupling cars, available on the market today.
There are also flexible tracks now available. These flex tracks come in long track ways that can be bent into any curve or shape you want. Although segmented tracks are very easy to use, they can be limiting because they come in preset shapes. However, before you go crazy bending your tracks; you have to know more about the maximum turn radius of your train. Curved segments are preset because they cater to the maximum safe curve radius their corresponding trains can handle. If you go beyond that radius, your trains might derail when they try to traverse your curve.
The last piece of track you have to have is the feeder track. This segment may be the most important since it connects the track to the power source.
Once you have all of your tracks, you can start building your own layout. If you're just starting out, simple is probably best. But don't let potential derailments and minor accidents stop you from taking risks. One way to make sure your layout works is to test it before you glue it on to a miniature set. Work out the kinks and once everything is running smooth, then glue it. This way, you won't have to be overly cautious when designing the layout of your dreams.
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