Beginner's Guide to Model Railroading

Straight & Curved Tracks

Just as the name implies, straight tracks are used for creating long straight runs on your train table. There are two kinds of straight track: Standard and E-Z tracks. Standard tracks are rails mounted on plastic ties. E-Z track includes plastic roadbed that represents the layers of rock that you find under the rails and ties of real railroads. The E-Z track costs more than the standard track, but your trains will ride smoother on them and make less noise than standard track resting directly upon a wood train table.



Just as the name implies, curved tracks are used for moving your trains in different directions around your train table. Curved tracks are used to create oval and figure-8 layouts. But curved tracks can also spiral up (on pylons) and around and over obstacles, allowing for elevated operation of your trains, which means even more railroading capability in the same space. Just like with straight track, there are two kinds of curved track: Standard and E-Z tracks.

Note: Whether you use standard track or E-Z tracks, they both require rail joiners to connect them together for allowing electrical current to flow uninterrupted through the rails.

Continue with this Railroading Workshop by clicking on the link below:

Flex-Track