O gauge is perhaps a little unusual in that it is quite normal for modellers to build their own track from scratch. One reason is its size. It is very easy to be able to see which way the keys in chairs point, and to keep to prototypical practice. In the smaller scales it is not so obvious when using ready made track that the chairs and keys are not quite right.

There is good range of parts available from which excellent track can be built. Plastic chairs are available in different types, such as 2 bolt, 3 bolt and 4 bolt as used by the different railway companies. Rail is available in steel and nickel silver, in bullhead and flat bottom, and in different weights. Preformed switch blades and crossing vees are also available.

There are also helpful articles available on building specific track formations.

• Designing a single slip using Templot
• Building a single slip