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