Track Tips

I have collected a number of model railroad track tips and techniques from various sources and am sharing them here. Do you have track tips or techniques you would like to share with Model Train Tips readers? You can send them in using the form on the Contact page.

Is it Wrong to Mix Types of Track on Your Model Railroad Layout?

July 21, 2011 By Model Train Tips 1 Comment

Here’s a question from a recent Model Train Tips subscriber: Is it wrong to mix copper plated and steel tracks in a layout? The first thing I thought to myself was, “I don’t believe they make copper plated track.” Well, since I’m still learning, I figured I’d better check this first. I opened up my copy of Model Train Help by Robert Anderson and turned to the section titled What Are Tracks Made Of? Re-reading this section confirmed that model railroad track available today is made of brass, zinc-coated steel, nickel silver and steel. Based on this, I’m guessing the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Track Tips Tagged With: conductivity, model train help, robert anderson, track, track type

Boulders and Gravel for Your Model Train Layout

July 20, 2011 By Model Train Tips 2 Comments

Josh sent in this tip for using common rocks to model boulders for your model train scenery: If you want to add boulders to your HO, N, O scale train set, go out to your yard or a street and find regular rocks and shave the bottoms flat and glue them to your layout. This way you can use the shavings for gravel and this process is one hundred percent free. How have you used rocks or similar material on your model train layout? Share your technique in the comments area below. Do you have a tip or technique you’d like to share with Model Train Tips readers? Use the contact form on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Scenery Tips, Track Tips Tagged With: boulders, free, gravel, layout scenery, rocks

Model Railroad Layout Design – Some Basics

November 20, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By Dave Staples For most model railroad enthusiasts, designing and building a model railroad layout is a wonderful part of the hobby. If you like letting your imagination fly, designing your own model railroad layout can be one of the most fun activities you'll ever do. Some layouts just "wow" you when you see their size and scope, such as multiple tracks and trains, or handmade scenery and environments. You know a lot of love and labor went into it. But a good layout doesn't necessarily have to be complicated, especially if you're just starting out. With a mixture of a little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Scenery Tips, Track Tips Tagged With: model railroad enthusist, model railroad layout, railroad layout design, track plans

Model Train Tips To Help Keep Your Dream Railway Right On Track

October 9, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By Timothy McCarthy If you search online you will be able to find all kinds of different hints and model train tips, from how to choose the right model train scale, to how to create realistic looking model train scenery. In this article I am going to bring some of the lesser known tips to your attention though. Now, in the introduction I mentioned model train scale and by typing those words into any search engine it's relatively simple to find tips as to how to determine model train scale and what the difference is between scale and model train gauges. However, do you know what … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Track Tips Tagged With: model railroading, model railway building, model railway trains, model train gauges, model train scale, model train tips, realistic looking model train scenery, right on track, your dream railway

8 Steps to Curing Model Railroad Derailments

September 15, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By John Branden It took me a long time to figure out the best way to stop derailment issues on my layouts. Because I use N gauge trains and track which is quite small and tricky the problem may be exaggerated but these rules apply to all gauges. I would fix one section of the track one day and the very next day I would get a derailment on a different section. This is frustrating because it make you nervous about the rest of the layout. When trains run smoothly on the rails you feel really good about the layout. When a model train derails it can be a nightmare but it is actually … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Track Tips Tagged With: frog assemblies, model railroad derailments, n gauge train, rolling stock, track gauge, turnouts

The HO Scale Model Train – Benchwork and Track Planning Tips For Great Layouts

June 10, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By Mike E. Foster The popularity of the HO scale model train is in large part due to its ideal blend of size and detail. Besides the detail provided by the model trains themselves, modelers pride themselves in their quality track planning and benchwork. The preparation and design of the track layout itself is referred to as track planning. The underlying structure beneath the track is called the benchwork. Attention to both concepts contributes to a successful HO scale model train layout. So why do model railroad modelers emphasize their track planning and benchwork? Many model … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Construction Tips, Structure Tips, Track Tips Tagged With: benchwork and track planning, benchwork the foundation, ho scale model train, model train benchwork, tips for great layouts, track planning the layout, track planning tips

Model Railroad Track Plans

May 16, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By Stan Alderson An important part of your model railroad is the track plan. This is the layout of all your track work and will determine where the trains will run. There are several options when designing your model railroad track plan. The design will ultimately depend on your interests and available resources including space. The types of trains you wish to run will also play a big part into determining the most suitable track plan. One of the most popular track plans is a circular, continuous running track. This can have sidings branching off at various locations and stations … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Track Tips Tagged With: continuous running track, end to end layout, fiddle yard, model railroad track plans, track plan

How Model Train Track Works And What Can Go Wrong

November 23, 2009 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

Model train track consists of two metal rails separated by plastic tie sections. Each rail carries one side of the electrical circuit. To work properly, the two rails should not contact each other and no metal object should contact both rails together. This would cause a short circuit, which could damage your model train power pack if it happened too often. With this in mind, assemble your model train track and connect the power pack . . . and you'll be ready to start operating your model trains. It is as easy as plugging in the power pack, carefully placing the locomotive on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Track Tips Tagged With: brass track, how model train track works, metal rails, model train, model train help ebook, model train track, nickel silver track, plastic tie, robert anderson, smooth train operation, steel track, train track, zinc-coated steel

How To Avoid Model Railroad Derailments

November 19, 2009 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time? This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section. It frustrated me to the point of wanting to give the hobby away..! A smooth running model train is a dream for most model train beginners. But it is actually quite easy to achieve with a little attention to detail. Here are 7 ways to stop your model train derailing: 1 - Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted Sounds like common sense? But … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Track Tips Tagged With: derailing model trians, frog assemblies, model railroad derailments, model train beginner, model train couplers, model trains, poorly assembled track joints, section of track, smooth running model train, track gauge, turnouts

How To Apply Ballast

July 22, 2009 By Model Train Tips 1 Comment

by Arizona Rock & Mineral Many people ask me how to apply ballast even if they have done it before. They must not be satisfied how theirs turned out so the very best way will be presented here. I use several techniques and each one has an advantage over the other as the desired effects or the situations vary. A neat looking roadbed is a major accomplishment and very satisfying to look at when finished. Basic Information The best rule of thumb is to apply it slowly and carefully. Each step is very important to follow because "now", you will be in control of its finished … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tool Tips, Track Tips Tagged With: model railroading, model railway, model trains, scenery tips