Track for 0 gauge railways

This part of the Revised Manual covers important aspects of trackwork covering the basics of standards, gauge, design, implementation and testing, with the goal of providing reliable and smooth running of locomotives and rolling stock.

As in most areas of model making, there are more ways than one of achieving the 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.

Original Manual ‘Part 2 – Trackwork’ (https://www.gaugeoguild.com/manual/02_1_Plain%20track.pdf ) covers in detail much prototype track data, history, practice, and a vast amount of detail that may need considering, so will not be repeated here, however most of the pre and post grouping companies, British Railways, and current rail companies would use their own chairs, fittings and rail. 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 ‘weights’, but in 7mm scale the most common and readily available rail is 0.125” bullhead rail, and 0.143” flat bottom rail. 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.

We advise at least these initial considerations in this Guidance Manual:

• Space available: - 7mm scale modelling can take a large amount of space, however a lot can be achieved in a small space, see Guild publications ‘Layouts for Small Spaces, Vol 1,2 and 3 (https://www.gaugeoguild.com/general/guild_pub.aspx )
• Track plan: - Make sure your track plan fits the space available before you start (see section 4 below)
• 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 (see section 4 below)
• Wiring (DC, DCC or radio control, etc.): Further guidance will be covered in another section of the Manual.
• Environment of layout and foundations (indoor/outdoor, permanent/portable, baseboards etc) Further guidance will be covered in another section of the Manual.

This Manual section is split into sub-sections: -

• Standards and gauge
• Commercially available ready to lay trackwork
• Handmade trackwork
• Track and layout design
• Track Laying
• Commissioning

C & L produce a point ‘starter kit’ which includes all the parts needed to build a point (including track gauges and templates) using bullhead 0.125” rail, and a very comprehensive instruction booklet. This is thoroughly recommended for a first time track builder.

See the website product directory ( https://www.gaugeoguild.com/products/Products_search.aspx ) 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 search website ( https://www.gaugeoguild.com/gazette_archive/gaz_index_menu.aspx ) and type ‘trackwork’ in keyword search box. Useful information and advice may also be found by searching the forum.

‘Finescale Track in 4mm’ by Iain Rice (Currently out of print), although aimed at 4mm modelling, and ‘Building a Model Railway /Designing a Layout’ by Barry Norman contain some excellent information (both are published by ‘Wild Swan’ Publications. (https://www.titfield.co.uk/Wild-Swan/Layout-Design.htm )

‘Right Track No 10’, ‘Laying Terrific Trackwork’ by Norman Soloman is a DVD that offers an excellent step by step Guide to trackwork.

There are articles on using the ‘Templot’ system on the Guild Forum and also on the online Templot forum. Searching ‘Youtube’ for ‘7mm Trackwork’ etc will elicit some helpful ideas.