Model Railway Basics

Track

The track is also a very important part of your layout. Without it, you can't run trains!

You are best off planning your layout on paper or even better is the Hornby Virtual railway, which you can download by clicking here, which will take you to their download page.

I am not going to tell what track plan you should use, so here are two examples.

 

This is a typical two track "tail chaser" which basically means it goes around in an endless loop. You could add sidings or crossovers if you wish.	This is a shuttle type layout. It is only really any good if you want to show off your shunting techniques! It's not a very good hands on layout for children.

There are all sorts of different track pieces, here is the lowdown on Hornby's main track pieces. Hornby's track has the same geometry as Peco code 100 track, so they are compatible.

 

	R600 - This is the standard straight piece which you will probably use most. Length - 168mm
	R601 - This is the length of two code R600's Length - 335mm
	R603 - This is the length of two code R601's or four code 600's Length - 670mm
	R605 - This is called a double curve, basically because double R604 will make one of these! You can only run small engines on this track because its quite tight.
	R607 - This double curve is not as tight as R605, and you can run any engine quite happily on it. Double R 606 makes this one
	R 609 - This is the least tight double curve. You can run any engine really well on this. Double R608 makes this one.
	R606 - This is a handy piece of track. If you put two of these together you will get a R607. Also if you put it on the curved part of a point, it will straighten it out.
	R8073 - A right-hand point. Ideal for joining two tracks together or for making sidings.
	R8072 - A left-hand point. Ideal for joining two tracks together or for making sidings.

Of course your track will need to be fixed to the baseboard and you will need to keep it clean! You can use these items in conjunction with your Hornby track:

 

Use the standard Hornby nails to pin your track to your baseboard, using the pre-drilled holes in the sleepers.	These are fishplates. They hold your track pieces together. They are already supplied on the ends of each track piece, but you may need to buy some more!
This is the standard track rubber, just give your track a rub over the top with this to remove the filth that gathers! It's a great tool!