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 “copper plated” track is either brass, which looks like copper, or nickel silver, because it has a slight gold tint.

By the way, Model Train Help includes a pretty good explanation of the pros and cons of using the different types of track.

OK, back to the question about mixing different types of track on a layout. The short answer is that it is not “wrong” to mix two different types of track. However… I would avoid using different types of track on the same layout if I could afford to.

Having different types of track doesn’t look natural because of the color difference and, as mentioned in the section on track in Model Train Help, different types of track have different levels of electrical conductivity.

Imagine your model train running erratically on one type of track and then suddenly surging when it starts running on the other track. Steel track oxidizes (rusts) and doesn’t conduct electricity very well when the oxidation builds up.

What do you think? Have I missed something? Have you had an experience with more than one type of track on your layout? Leave a comment in the box below and let me know.

PS; Model Train Help – Your Step-By-Step Guide to Model Railroading by Robert Anderson, with over 225 pages of useful model railroading information, is available for immediate download. If you would like to help support Model Train Tips, consider purchasing this eBook through one of the links above.

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3. Model Railroad Layout Design – Some Basics

We all make mistakes when creating a model train layout, but the important thing is to learn from them, or avoid making mistakes in the first place.

One of the most common mistakes is to choose the wrong scale when getting started in the hobby of model railroading. Talk with others in the hobby – we all have our preferences on scales (otherwise known as biased opinions).

You will need to do plenty of research and measure how much space you have available. Many beginner railroaders start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale. They either start all over or start mixing scales (ouch!).

Have a picture in your own mind before you start on what you want your layout to represent before you rush out and buy anything. Do you want diesel or steam locomotives, DC or DCC, a one level, or multi-level layout, or maybe an around the wall shelf layout? There are so many questions to ask and it is better to answer them sooner rather than later.

By the way, a shelf layout is usually built around the wall and typically sticks out about 12 inches from the wall (there are exceptions). A backdrop can provide depth and interest.

Model railroading is a wonderful hobby in so many ways. It involves everything from carpentry, scenery design, through to basic electrical work. Some clever model railroaders have constructed hideaway layouts where the track on a board which is attached to a cable and pulley system lowered from the ceiling. Obviously the roof structure needs to be able to support the heavy weight of lifting the layout up and down. If it is strong enough, then this may be a clever space saving solution.

Most things can be learned from watching others and a bit of trial and error. Books like my Model Train Help PDF Book are packed with clever ideas and can prove invaluable as can networking at your local model train club.

The important thing is to enjoy your hobby and take your time getting things how you want them. No two model railroad layouts are exactly the same, so you can be creative and add your own person touch to your layout.

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1. Why Build A Branch Line Model Train Layout?
2. Model Railroading Beginners; Mistakes You Need To Avoid
3. Planning A Small Model Train Layout

Although not always the case, a branch line layout generally requires less rolling stock. It can also mean greater flexibility in the complexity of your track plan depending on what you want to achieve.

Building a branch line is a favorite for many model railroaders, because it can allow more opportunities to include small dioramas within the model train layout.

More About Model Train Branch Lines

A branch line will commonly have a small station where trains can pass. The station has some shunting possibilities, e.g. serving a freight shed. To make the operations more interesting a “shadow station” or passing loop can be added to a branch line layout.

For for ideas on planning a branch line layout see the section in the Model Train Help ebook.

Many branch line layout designs consist of an oval shaped line, though on a shelf-based layout an out-and-back format is also reasonably common. The branch line theme often includes mixed freight and passenger trains running to a timetable-based operation.

Why Model Train Branch Lines Are So Much Fun

Most branch lines run through countryside giving the possibility for creating some truly amazing scenery. But, when creating a small layout branch line, you’ll need to accept that it can be hard to depict the wide-open space of the countryside on a small train layout.

One option is to use forests to “box-in” the scene. Another option, which works well, is to depict a branch line in a cityscape. This makes sense considering that most branch lines start off in a larger town. That way you can build a small station located in this larger town.

The buildings will have the same effect of “boxing-in” the theme. Plus you can add connections to several industries, although this does conflict with a countryside theme.

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The motor connects to the wheels through a mechanical drive system. When the electricity turns the motor, the motor turns the gears that turn the wheels and push the locomotive along the train tracks. Simple!

The contact point where your locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. That’s why; it doesn’t take much in the way of dirt, dust, or debris to obstruct the wheel-to-rail contact. Dirt can build up, so it is important that you keep the wheels clean and free of accumulated dirt.

If the wheels of your locomotive become dirty, they may not make good contact with the metal rails, and your train will stall. Remember, plastic wheels don’t conduct electricity.

Locomotive Wheels And Locomotive Gears

A good locomotive needs lots of wheels and lots of gears. A poor performing locomotive is often because of the gears and/or the wheels. Although in saying that, some locomotives with only a few wheels work surprisingly well . . . although it is considered to be unusual, rather than the norm.

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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 train track, turning up the throttle . . . and enjoying!

More About Model Train Tracks

It’s best to set up your train track on a sheet of plywood, a tabletop, or other hard surface. Carpet fuzz and floor dirt can hamper smooth train operation.

Model train track comes in different types made of brass, zinc-coated steel, nickel silver and steel. Regardless of what the train tracks are made of, most track sets come with a terminal section so that you can hook into the transformer.

Brass track and zinc-coated steel track are common in starter sets and, when purchased separately, are usually cheaper in price than nickel silver tracks.

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

For some model railway enthusiasts, it is a way of re-creating a fond childhood memory.

Others simply enjoy building a world in miniature with all its detail and realism.

Then there are those model railway enthusiasts who love solving the technical problems of building and operating an electronic control system.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether you’re 5 or 95 . . . or somewhere in between. The personal satisfaction of building and operating a realistic miniature railway layout is rewarding and fun . . . no matter how old you are.

Model railroading is a truly rewarding leisure activity that will keep most model railway enthusiasts busy and entertained for hours…if not a lifetime.

The Model Railroaders Own Wonderful World

Model railroading is a fun-filled leisure activity that provides plenty of scope for the creative individual with a technical bent. It incorporates a variety of interesting activities from building, maintaining, upgrading and operating a model railway.

What kind of world you create, where you create it, and how much time you spend in it . . . is entirely over to the individual model railroading enthusiast. We are all different.

A model railroader can build a layout in the solitude of his or her basement, attic, shed or garage workshop . . . or they can sit in a sun lounger and watch trains weave around their garden . . . or the model railway enthusiast can join a local model railroad club and share their model railway ideas and experiences with others.

The opportunities for the model railroading enthusiast are endless!

‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing’ – George Bernard Shaw

Article by Robert Anderson, author of the best-selling Model Train Help ebook.

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The C&G Layout by Chuck Shutz of West Palm Beach, Florida, is a great example. Click on the image to see more pictures of Chucks layout.

When you plan a small model train layout, it’s important that you know the limitations the small space imposes on you and your model train set.

Although the space you have available for your RR layout might limit your choice of scales, the major limitation is usually in the choice of themes you can model. In most cases main line model train themes wouldn’t fit.

Whereas, given that you only have a limited space available for your layout; industrial, branch line and tramway themes are possibly the best model train layout options to consider.

If you must have a mainline theme, but don’t have space for it, then you’ll probably have to scale your model train layout down. If don’t want to compromise, then don’t start a small model train layout.

There are a number of differences that you will need to accept or adapt yourself to when choosing a small layout: the curves may be too sharp, the angles of the switches may be too steep, and the sidings too short.

With a small layout everything is compressed to the max. But when you think about it, although a small layout may not be your first choice, it is better than no train set at all!

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One option is to simply store excess rolling stock and locomotives in boxes or on display shelves or cabinets.

It is possible, however, to store all of your extra equipment and trains on tracks in a yard that may or may not be part of the visible operating portion of your model train layout.

However, design mistakes are a common feature of model railroad yard layouts. Yards don’t always work out as well as they should.

A major cause is the lack of available information on how to design a good model railroad yard layout. Without the resources, model railroaders are forced into a lot of guesswork.

Model Train Yard Layout Compression

Apart from the lack of available information on model railroad yards, another cause for less than satisfactory model railroad yard designs, is the need to compress a model railroad layout into the space available. ‘Compression’ is the model railroaders enemy, but in most cases, necessary.

Let’s start by looking at the make up of real classification yards. Generally, they are huge. They often consist of many smaller special-purpose rail yards, that collectively, add up to a complex array of train track.

It is commonplace for there to be three separate double-ended rail yards strung one after the other. These are designed to move train traffic efficiently and usually comprise: an arrival yard, a classification yard, and a departure yard.

The Arrival Yard On Model Train Layouts

The arrival yard is where arriving trains drop off the cars of their train. The cars are then moved to the classification yard, being switched back and forth as necessary to get the right cars onto the right trains.

The trains are then built out and moved to the departure yard. After getting a new caboose and locomotive, they then proceed to their next destination.

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