Model Railroad Track

Model Railroad Track

Fit straights, crossings and rerailers into a route

Measure the length of the available gap and decide what the inserted section needs to do.

Start with the straight length

Measure from the end of one existing section to the next along the centerline. Use equal-length replacements where the new part must fit without moving neighboring curves and switches.

Pick the job for the new piece

A crossing joins a street or intersecting route, while a rerailer gives wheels a guide. A terminal piece adds a power connection. Choose the function you need before comparing pieces of similar length.

Leave room beyond the rails

Measure the road approaches, gates or wiring clearances as well as the track. The molded base and scenery can take more space than the rails themselves.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Can I replace a straight with a crossing of the same length?

Confirm the scale, track system and measured gap. Check the crossing footprint outside the track.

Does every rerailer provide a terminal connection?

Check the product. The plain rerailer and a wired terminal section have different jobs.

What changes if I choose operating gates?

Check the room for the gates and the product’s activation arrangement before placing the road.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. The Kato HO plain straight and road crossing both fill a 123 mm gap. Choose the crossing when you want a road surface and a wheel guide at that location.

Accessories in this guide

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