Scale Track
Information You Should Know Before Getting Your Model Train Track
Most people will say when getting started as a model railroader, the most important piece to buy is the train itself. While this is an important component to be sure, it does you no good without the right model train track to put it on. Buying the right track will mean the difference between having something that is fun and something, which simply won't work. Factors to keep in mind when buying model train track is the size of the train, what you will be doing with the train, where the train will be, and the realism of the tracks.
Buying the right size model train track will allow you to be able to properly send your train around the track with ease. Keep in mind; the wheels of the train should fit snugly against the track in order to be able to roll correctly. The general rule is to match the scale of the train with the gauge of the track. An example of this would be to have a G Scale Train on a G scale track. While there might be slight variations in the actual size of the trains, the wheels should be standardized enough to be able to fit on the track. Buying the wrong size track will make it impossible to operate your train correctly.
Some model railroaders believe the only way to properly display a model train is to lay the track themselves. There are model train track kits available, which will include rails, wood ties and railroad spikes. This will allow you to lay your own track as you see fit and have a high degree of realism in your tracks. The biggest factor to keep in mind is the process involved in laying your own track. There is a lot of precision required in laying your own track if you do not want for the train itself to jump track while it is speeding around the track. This is recommended only for professionals, or train clubs.
Where you will be running your train is something you will want to keep in mind when buying your model train track. If you are running a G scale train outside, you will want to avoid an aluminum track. While the track is inexpensive, it is highly vulnerable to corrosion and unsuitable for use on an outdoor track. You are better suited to use the more popular nickel-silver alloy as your track. Being the most popular type of track, you should be able to find it most anywhere you will be able to find model train supplies. Another good suggestion for an outdoor track is stainless steel. While it is more expensive, it resists rusts and corrosion very well.
Those looking for a model train track, which will truly represent how the track would look in real life, should consider using flexitrack. This track is able to be positioned into almost any position you need in order to create a more realistic appearance for your layout. You can create curves, which will be very gentle, or extreme in nature as the choice is yours to make. The track comes in standardized lengths, but snaps together with other lengths giving you more control over how long your final product will be.
About the Author
David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on model train track visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there don’t forget to sign up for his FREE "Secrets To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.
Scale Track
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 Near Mint LGB 20287 4040C 3036 4062 36 ft extra track The Long Train G Scale  US $1,049.00
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 BRASS TRACK CODE 332 G SCALE 100Ft GERMAN QUALITY US $739.00
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 AML G SCALE G241 01 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL USA STYLE 6FT 12pcs US $674.25
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 AML G SCALE G242 01 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL EURO NG 6FT 12pcs US $674.25
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 Lot G Scale Aristo Train Engine Tender caboose box cars track transformer US $500.00
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 LGB G Scale 72302 Passenger Starter Set MISSING TRACK AND TRANSFORMER OB US $495.00
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 NICKEL SILVER TRACK G SCALE 50FtCODE 332ADDED EXTRAS US $475.00
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 LGB G Scale Yellow Track Cleaning Locomotive LGB 20670 US $450.00
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 G SCALE OLD TIME BARN BUILDING 4 USE w GARDEN GAUGE LGB USA ARISTO TRACK TRAINS US $425.00
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 Marklin 1 Scale 5441 Train Locomotive Delta Module Smoke Track Maxi Starter Set US $399.99
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 LGB Lot Of Track G Scale Straight Curve And Switch Track US $375.00
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 BRASS TRACK G SCALE 50Ft CODE 332 ADDED EXTRAS US $370.00
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 AML G SCALE G241 02 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL USA STYLE 6FT 6pcs US $337.13
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 AML G SCALE G241 03 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL USA STYLE 3FT 12pcs US $337.13
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 AML G SCALE G242 03 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL EURO NG 3FT 12pcs US $337.13
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 AML G SCALE G242 02 FLEX TRACK CODE 332 STAINLESS STEEL EURO NG 6FT 6pcs US $337.13
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 NICKEL SILVER TRACK CURVED R3 4 G SCALE 16pcs Germany US $309.95
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 BRASS TRACK CODE 332 G SCALE 50Ft GERMAN QUALITY US $299.95
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 NICKEL SILVER TRACK G SCALE 100Ft RAIL ONLY CODE 332 US $295.00
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 BRASS R3 4 SECTIONAL CURVED TRACK G SCALE 16 pcs US $285.00
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 PIKO LGB G SCALE 1200MM STRAIGHT TRACK BOX OF 12 PIECES MINT 35209 US $283.93
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 RAIL BENDER G SCALE MADE IN USA AML Aristocraft Track US $279.00
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 NICKEL SILVER TRACK CURVED R2 3 G SCALE 16pcs Germany US $279.00
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 Marklin Train 1 Scale 59851 T TRACK EXTENSION SET US $259.99
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 G SCALE CMX TRACK THE CLEAN MACHINE US $259.95
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 BRASS R2 SECTIONAL CURVED TRACK G SCALE 16 pcs US $255.00
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N Scale Model train track plans?
Does anyone have any 4x8 track plans for N scale model trains? I would like it to have a tunnel, turntable, and a bridge. ANY help is appreciated!!
Actually, this month's "Model Railroader" magazine has an article on just that subject. Their publishing company, Kalmbach Publishing, also has a number of books out for various track plans. Hit your local hobby-shop, or their website: http://www.trains.com/mrr/
You could also check the website Atlas, a track manufacturer: http://www.atlasrr.com/
ALWAYS do HUNDREDS of sketches on graph-paper, or on one of the wonderful software programs before you start building... it's AMAZING how many errors in operation and placement you can correct. It's always simpler to fix those errors with an eraser than moving the track or buildings ON the layout.
GOOD LUCK and ENJOY