Model Train Club Article

HO Model Railroad Track

There are several components to model railroading. One involves the train and locomotive. Although most model train enthusiast probably prefer to build everything themselves, the locomotive is one item that can be purchased preassembled, painted and complete with decals. Although it is usually fairly costly to buy a locomotive ready to run, it does cut down on the time necessary to get your train up and running. The model railroad track is another story though. It will usually require a lot of hands on tweaking to get set up right.

Of course, if you have an HO scale train, then you need to make sure you have HO scale track and supplies. Your train track can be as simple or as elaborate as you care to make it. If your track is mainly just for displaying your train, then a simple straight stretch of railroad track may work out just fine for you. Most collectors though will want to create a loop of track so the train can run continuously throughout their layout.

The track for HO scale trains is a double railed track that is powered by an electric power supply. The power supplies can also be quite elaborate. Usually the current is applied to the track, the more current, the faster the train runs. Reverse the polarity and the train starts to go in the opposite direction. For a long straight track, there will be embedded switches so the power to the train will shut off before the train leaves the tracks at the end. Systems can even be set up to control multiple locomotives on the same track. The older model HO scale trains that were made from metal capitalized on the weight of the locomotive to flip switches as it ran the track. Today's lightweight plastic locomotives rely on a different mechanism, sometimes computerized.

HO scale railroad tracks can be further complicated with bridges, tunnels, buildings, and scenery. Also different types of building materials and types of locomotives will affect the performance of the track as will various grades of terrain.

Ho scale railroad track pieces can be purchased in kits of various designs with all the smaller accessories included. Beginners may find this easier for designing the track because they will know for sure the design will end with the last piece attaching with the first. Also it is common to find kits that include the track, train and other supplies such as scenery and structures. If you are designing your track layout yourself, you might find model railroad software useful for planning and visualizing your creation.