Model Railroad Track

Model Railroad Track

Choose joiners, insulated gaps and feeder track

Decide what the connection needs to do before fitting the pieces together.

Plan the electrical sections

Identify where the rail joint must conduct and where a section is meant to be isolated. Use the manufacturer directions for the control equipment and any separate feeds for the sections you plan.

Check the connector against the rails

Match the rail profile and the scale and inspect the fit at the rail ends. Proprietary roadbed connectors can require the exact part for that system. A joiner can align rail ends, while a height transition may need its own support.

Put a feeder where the lead can reach

Choose a track section whose length fits the route and which lets the lead reach a compatible controller. Use the connection diagram for the exact track and equipment.

Source documentation

Guide questions

When would I need a plastic joiner?

Use an insulated joiner at an intentional electrical gap where it is specified for the rail.

Can a plain straight replace a feeder track?

It may fit the same track space, but it does not provide the same wire connection.

What do I compare if the new track sits higher?

Check the railhead, tie and roadbed heights and use the manufacturer’s transition method where needed.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. Use the Atlas metal joiners for a conductive rail joint. Select the Code 83 nylon joiners where the wiring plan calls for an electrical break.

    Atlas 170 nickel silver rail joiners ↗Atlas 552 HO Code 83 insulated rail joiners ↗

  2. The Kato S62 plain straight and S62F feeder occupy the same length. Select the feeder where you need to run a lead to the track.

    Kato 20-040 N UNITRACK 62 mm straight track ↗Kato 20-041 N UNITRACK 62 mm straight feeder ↗

Accessories in this guide

Shop these departments