How to Assemble a Model Train Layout

There are train sets, and then there are model railroads. The difference is that one's a toy and one's a somewhat obsessive pursuit requiring careful assembly by very intense adults.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Model Train Tracks
• Plywood Sheets
• Straight Pins
• Straight Pins
• Paper Towels
• Paper Towels
• Carpenter's Glue
• Paper towels

1. Decide how you are going to lay out your tracks.

2. Test your tentative layout to ensure that you have enough track and couplers for your design by placing the tracks end to end without attaching them.

3. Lay out the tracks on the floor beside the area you're building them on to make sure you get each piece installed in order.

4. Decide whether you are going to glue or pin down the tracks. Glue is more stable, but less authentic.

5. Clip the first section of track to the second. Depending on the type of train set, the tracks will either be laid end to end (flush at the ends) or will slide into each other with small grooves and tabs.

6. Press the track into the glue or pin down securely.

7. Even if gluing, secure with a few pins.

8. Wipe away excess glue with a paper towel.

9. Continue attaching sections of track until the route is complete. Wait overnight for the glue to set, or pull the tracks slightly to make sure pins (like real rail spikes) are secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't mix different gauges of track; your model train will derail.

on 8/8/2006 I had 3 HO bridges that had to be set end to end. I removed the track from the 3 bridges that I bought by pulling it straight out with pliers. Then I removed the rails from a 3 foot section of flex track and was able to slide and guide the rails, as one long piece, through the 3 bridges. I never had a problem with that part of my train table.

on 11/22/2005 Answer these questions before beginning:

Who - Is the railroad you will model real or fictional?

Who - What industries will be served by your pike?

What - Will your line carry freight or passengers?

What - What is the size of your layout? Can you build, operate, and maintain the layout in a reasonable time frame?

Where - What is the location of your model in your house? How much room do you have?

Where - What is the geographic region of your model?

When - What era will you model? Decide this first.

Why - Why not? Model railroading is fun and educational, but don't let that stop you!

How - That's the fun part!

on 11/22/2005 Start with the Radial (curved) sections first - then connect those Radial sections with straight track sections.