Table of Contents
Track
Introduction
This section covers important aspects of trackwork including the basics of standards, gauge, design, implementation and testing, with the goal of providing reliable and smooth running of locomotives and rolling stock. The track is the fundamental part of a model railway layout. Well laid track is essential to reliable running, and even when no trains are in view, the quality of the track is important to the realism of the scene.
As in most areas of model making, there are many ways to achieve a satisfactory end result, so no solution is the definitive one, but where possible, the various options will be covered and the individual can decide which option is preferable for any situation and personal preference.
Originally O gauge track was to a coarse scale with over scale rail sections and sleepers that bore little relationship to reality. Electrical pickup was through a third rail or stud contact down the centre of the track, or via the two rails. Fine scale rail and chairs later became available, followed by ready to run flexible track from Peco. There is now a good choice of ready to run track from several manufacturers, and many track components offering the chance to build your own track to precise scale.
As with most other aspects of railway modelling, trackwork details were specific to location and time. Most of the pre and post grouping companies, British Railways, and the current rail companies use their own choice or manufacture of chairs, fittings and rail. But trackwork could be very long lived and even pre-grouping trackwork could be found on the rail network until recent years.
Different companies also used different rail sizes or ‘weights’. Intensively used main lines would be laid with a heavier weight of rail than lightly used sidings. In 7mm scale the most common and readily available rail is 0.125 in. (3.175 mm) bullhead rail (commonly described as Code 125) and 0.143 in. (3.63 mm) flat bottom rail (Code 143). Bullhead rail has been used since the early days of railways, but flat bottom rail was introduced by the four pre nationalisation companies in the 1940's for use on the mainlines and branch lines. The study of trackwork can be fascinating in its own right, and it is always advisable to check photographs of your preferred prototype.
This section also includes prototype track data, history and practice that are important in achieving a high degree of realism in trackwork. This is most relevant when designing and building one's own track, but even when using ready made track or pointwork kits, this underpins the selection of radii, crossing angles, and the like. Gauge O recognises a range of different wheel and track standards, and the understanding of what will work with what is important to achieving reliable running. In turn, this depends on the track geometry.
Initial considerations
Before purchasing or constructing trackwork, and indeed before finalising the layout, it is advisable to consider several important features, including:
- Space available: 7mm scale modelling can take a large amount of space, although a lot can be achieved in a small space, see the Guild publications Layouts for Small Spaces, Vol 1,2 and 3
- Track plan: Make sure your track plan fits the space available
- Minimum radius of curves and pointwork, transition curves, super elevation (cant), rolling stock clearance and overhang (curve radius is invariably much tighter than the prototype)
- Wiring (DC, DCC or radio control, etc.)
- Environment of layout and foundations (indoor/outdoor, permanent/portable, baseboards etc).
Many of these are described in this or other sections of the wiki.
Trackwork in the original manual
The original manual contained many sections and data sheets about all aspects of prototype and model trackwork. This information has been taken into the Wiki. For readers familiar with the original manual (or at least in possession of a table of contents) and seeking specific information, it may be helpful to study the correspondence between the original manual sections and data sheets and the pages of the Wiki.
Useful information
C&L Finescale produce a point ‘starter kit’ which includes all the parts needed to build a point (including track gauges and templates) using bullhead 0.125 in. rail, and a very comprehensive instruction booklet. This is thoroughly recommended for a first time track builder.
See the Guild product directory and use keyword search track to find trackwork components and trackwork manufacturers, and their products.
There are many excellent articles in past Gazettes on building trackwork and pointwork. Use the Gazette archive and use keyword search trackwork. Useful information and advice may also be found by searching the forum.
Finescale Track in 4mm by Iain Rice, published by Wild Swan (currently out of print). Despite the focus at 4mm modelling, it contains some excellent and relevant information.
Building a Model Railway - Designing a Layout by Barry Norman, published by Wild Swan contain some excellent trackwork information.
Right Track No. 10, Laying Terrific Trackwork by Norman Soloman. is a DVD that offers an excellent step by step Guide to trackwork. It is no longer available but second hand copies may be found.
There are articles on using the Templot system on the Guild Forum and also on the online Templot forum.
Searching YouTube for 7mm trackwork (and similar expressions) will elicit some helpful ideas.
Here is a list of traders who supply trackwork and track related components extracted from the Guild's product directory:
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