How do I expand my starter train set?

The box for a Kato HV1 track expansion set

Did you just get a new train set for Christmas? Are you growing bored watching it go around and around the same oval? Don’t worry, your introduction into the world of model railroading is just beginning. Luckily for you, most train set manufacturers offer track expansion sets to help expand your starter train set.   […]

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Adhesives for attaching roadbed

Color photo of man in dark red sweater attaching cork strip to model railroad.

Q: What is the best adhesive to use for attaching cork roadbed to wood or extruded-foam insulation board? — Ronald Jaeger A: In Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders — Second Edition (Kalmbach Books, 2014), Jeff Wilson wrote, “Cork can be nailed in place, but glue is a much neater option. I prefer white glue for […]

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Selecting N scale track

Black-and-white illustration showing different N scale rail sizes.

Q: I will be starting my first model railroad soon, a small N scale layout. I want to use code 55 track, but I’ve read mixed reviews about it. Do you have any suggestions, or should I stick with code 80 track? — Damien Bouchey A: When shopping for N scale track, you’ll see it […]

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N scale manual turnout control 

A yellow and blue Chessie System EMD diesel locomotive sits next to a switch stand facing the camera in an N scale yard

My N scale model railroad has about 50 mainline and storage track turnouts, all controlled by Tortoise by Circuitron motors and Digitrax SE8s for total control via Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) as well as manual local and via Digital Command Control with a DCC throttle. I’m adding another 30 to 40 or more turnouts […]

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