Train Track 101
Choosing The Right Type Of Model Train Track
Why do you need to choose the right track for your model trains?
Choosing the right train track scale is just as important as choosing your first model train. When it comes to choosing what model train you will be buying you will also need the correct scale of train track. Train track comes in many different varieties of brands and scales. Below is a helpful guide to show you what tracks and brands go with what model train scale.
Check Out Our How Many Curves In A Circle Of Track Guide Below:
How Many Curves In A Circle Of Track - All Scales!
Model Train Track Scales:
G Scale
Most G Scale Track is manufactured in brass by LGB, Piko & Bachmann. Bachmann also manufactuers G Scale Track in stainless steel.
The brass track is suitable for indoor & outdoor use and can remain outdoors in all types of weather.
G Scale Track uses a gauge of 45mm, or 1.75 inches between the rails. This gauge is convenient for operating a wide variety of models from 1:22.5 thru 1:32 scale.
Shop For G Scale Track Below:
Tinplate - Standard Gauge
These trains were produced in the '20s & '30s. Some were produced by Lionel & MTH in the '90s and 2000's.
The common track used was the 3 Rail Tinplate Standard Gauge Track - This track is very hard to come by and not readily available.
The 3 Rail Tinplate Standard Gauge Track is the best track to use for this scale.
Shop For Tinplate Track Below:
O Scale
O Gauge Track is basically produced and readily available by three manufacturers - Lionel, Atlas & Gargraves. MTH also makes 3 rail O Gauge Track but it isn't readily available.
Lionel FasTrack is best for floor or portable layouts that are not set up on a permanent basis but can be used for permanent layouts.
Lionel also has Tinplate O Gauge Tubular Track - Good for O Gauge Pre-War and Post-War Lionel Trains. Tinplate O Gauge Tubular Track is made in both O Gauge & O27 Gauge.
Atlas & Gargraves tracks are specifically designed for permanent layouts. Gargraves have realistic wooden ties. Atlas is a sectional track that requires mounting to a table. Gargraves should also be mounted permanently to a table.
Check Out Our Lionel FasTrack Guide Below:
Shop For O Scale Track Below:
S Scale
S Gauge can run on either Two-Rail S Gauge Tinplate Track or Lionel/American Flyer Two-Rail S Gauge FasTrack. Both of which can be assembled for a floor layout & portable layout or permanently mounted to a layout or table.
Shop For S Scale Track Below:
On30 Scale
On30 is Narrow Gauge O Gauge Trains that use HO Scale Track.
Bachmann starter sets come with either black (most common) or grey HO EZ Track. All HO EZ Track is Code 100.
Black HO EZ Track - Steel Alloy & Grey HO EZ Track - Nickel Silver
HO EZ Track has a roadbed that can be permanently mounted or assembled & disassembled as needed. The Grey HO EZ Track (Nickel Silver) is better as it provides better electrical as it stays cleaner.
Kato N Unitrack is Nickel Silver Code 83 Track. Good for permanent or nonpermanent layouts.
Atlas, Peco & Walthers tracks are available in Nickel Silver Code 100 & Code 83. Must be permanently affixed to a table.
Micro Engineering is available in Nickel Silver Code 100, Code 83 & Code 70. Must be permanently affixed to a table. Has a "lower profile" rail therefore it may require some modifications to match other brands of the track "even if considered the same code".
Shop For ON30 Scale Track Below:
HO Scale
Bachmann starter sets come with either black (most common) or grey HO EZ Track. All HO EZ Track is Code 100.
Black HO EZ Track - Steel Alloy & Grey HO EZ Track - Nickel Silver
HO EZ Track has a roadbed that can be permanently mounted or assembled & disassembled as needed. The Grey HO EZ Track (Nickel Silver) is better as it provides better electrical as it stays cleaner.
Kato N Unitrack is Nickel Silver Code 83 Track. Good for permanent or nonpermanent layouts.
Atlas, Peco & Walthers tracks are available in Nickel Silver Code 100 & Code 83. Must be permanently affixed to a table.
Micro Engineering is available in Nickel Silver Code 100, Code 83 & Code 70. Must be permanently affixed to a table. Has a "lower profile" rail therefore it may require some modifications to match other brands of the track "even if considered the same code".
Shop For HO Scale Track Below:
N Scale
Code 80 is the most popular for N Scale (Less Prototypical)
Code 55 is more prototypical but is not good for all N Scale trains.
Bachmann starter sets come with Code 80 Nickel Silver N EZ Track (With Roadbed)
Kato starter sets come with Code 80 Nickel Silver N Unitrack (With Roadbed)
Both the Bachmann & Kato tracks are good for temporary or permanent layouts as they have a fixed roadbed which provides a stable & locked base. Both are good for most brands of N Scale trains.
Peco & Atlas track comes in both Code 80 & Code 55. This track "does not" have a roadbed and must be permanently affixed to a surface with glue or nails.
Shop For N Scale Track Below:
Z Scale
Z Scale uses Marklin Z Scale Track. Good for all types of Z Scale trains and is used for all types of Z Scale layouts.
Shop For Z Scale Track Below:
