N Scale Track
Model railroad N scale track is available in a variety of options and configurations. It can be purchased in straight sections, curves, crossings, switches, etc. N gauge track is basically available in three primary types. These types are: sectional, flexible, and hand-laid.
Sectional N scale track are the type you'll typically find in an N scale train set. Other gauge electric train sets are likely to be equipped with this type as well. Most of these basic sets are geared to the beginning model railroad hobbyist. And if you have deeper pockets there are more complex sets available too.
N Scale Track For Sale
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 ATLAS N GAUGE 2500 SUPER FLEX TRACK 21FT TOTAL $9.50 (14 Bids) End Date: Monday Feb-6-2012 10:12:53 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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 N GAUGE TRACK $4.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Monday Feb-6-2012 11:06:36 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Advantages Of Sectional N Scale Track
Sectional model train tracks are generally the easiest of varieties to work with, which is why it's the type typically included with the beginner N gauge train sets.
The main benefits of using sectional railroad tracks are:
- easy to work with and put together
- requires no cutting
- readily available
- great for beginner model train enthusiasts
- often comes with pre-molded roadbed
- available through a number of manufacturers like:
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- Atlas N scale track
- Kato N scale track - Unitrack
- Bachmann/Bachman EZ track
- Noch
- Fleischmann
- And more…
Disadvantages Of Sectional N Scale Track
In spite of its benefits, the sectional variety of N scale track does have a couple of minor, at least in my opinion; disadvantages. These disadvantages are that the tracks are set to:
- whatever length you bought it at
- whatever curve radius you bought (it's fixed and you have to deal with it)
- fixed radius n scale track also means fixed layout plans, but that really isn't a biggie because there are many awesome N scale model railroad track plans on the market
I suppose the few disadvantages listed above become more of a problem the more experienced you are with model railroading. For most new to intermediate model railroaders however, I can’t imagine that fixed radius curves and fixed length tracks would pose that big of a problem.
To start, it’s probably best to stick with the “easier” N scale track. And as I mentioned in the list of benefits, some of the sectional tracks available comes with roadbed pre-installed. So, if you go the sectional route, you may not have to putz with that part of things. It’s one less thing for a newbie to have to contend with.
Laying N Scale Track Video
Flexible Model Train Tracks
Another prefabricated N scale track type is what is commonly known as “flexible” track. This and sectional tracking, also considered “prefabricated;” are the two varieties most commonly used by N gauge model railroaders.
Flextrack, as Atlas Model Trains calls their version, is available in different lengths. Most flexible tracks are about three feet long per section. And unlike the fixed nature of sectional track, this variety can be modified to better cater to the layout needs of the individual modeler.
As previously mentioned, standard sectional track pieces are of a fixed nature. What you see is what you get. This limitation is precisely what makes the flexible variety so appealing to the more experienced modeler.
The Primary Advantages Of Flexible Model Railroad Track
- Sections can be cut and modified to meet the exact needs of the modeler and the layout he or she is working on.
- Can help to increase the realism of your model train layout by providing a more natural looking lay of the tracks.
- With sectional, the modeler isn’t tied to a fixed radius curve and this type of tracking allows you to design any curve radius you want.
As with most things, as beneficial as these types of rails are, they also have a disadvantage or two.
Disadvantages Of Flexible Model Rails Are:
- Regardless of the layout you decide on, these tracks are going to need a bit of cutting.
So, in summary there are a substantial number of N scale track options available to the railroad hobbyist. Take a little time to investigate your needs through layout plan books, online forums etc. A lot of people, myself included; have a tendency to want to rush things.
Do a little advanced planning and decision making. Get the right Unitrack, Flextrack, or other N scale track for your model railway, and you’ll be a much happier camper in the end.