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Track Articles

#20 Crossover

The author shows and describes how he built a #20 crossover track using code 55 rail and sections of flextrack.

21st Century Turnout Frog Wiring

The author shares his latest method of powering turnouts for DCC.

A Beginner Again

Photo of closure and wing rails with manganese-insert frog.

A Look at Current S Scale Track Products

After covering some general advice about track laying, the author provides a quick review of the various S-scale manufacturers that produce track products (at the time of the article's writing).

A Model for All Scenes

Studying prototype track to help design your model railroad track. Includes several prototype track photos.

A Practical Rail Inspection Car

Building your own track inspection car from a piece of plexiglass and two trucks.

A Primer on Yards

This brief article describes a classification yard, a storage yard, and yard limits. A diagram of a compressed version of a model yard is included, as well as two prototype photos (yard and a tower).

A Simple Dual-Gauge Turnout

Adding a standard-gauge spur to an existing Sn3 2'x8' diorama allowed the author to show the difference between standard-gauge and narrow-gauge. This article is about how he constructed the turnout for that spur.

A Simple, Cheap Switch Machine

The author describes how he uses the DPDT switches to control the turnout's throwbar and the polarity to the frog. Includes an installation diagram.

A Switch Throw in Time Saved No. 9

This article covers using hand-throws, specifically those by Caboose Industries, their ground throw (a photo of Aubrey Olson owner of Caboose Industries is included, working on the author's layout). Co-author, Bill, describes his methods for manually throwing turnouts on his layout.

A Tortoise Hill Brake

Using a Tortoise switch machine, the author describes how he simulates a freight car's brake on an angled hill. Includes an installation diagram that shows how it works.

A Tortoise Switch Machine for Crossovers

This article describes the mechanical parts needed to be able to control the two turnouts of a crossover using only one Tortoise.

A Track-cleaning Car for Your Tinplate Layout

Using a strip of Masonite hardboard to help clean the rails. Includes a construction diagram and a parts list.

Add a RIP Track For Running Repairs

Covers the repair-in-place track and all the typical details one would find around such a track. There are notes on how to introduce "bad order" cars into an operating session.

An Easy Tortoise Soup Up

How to install a Tortoise switch machine by first installing a metal plate to it.

An Easy-to-built, Low-cost HO Turntable

This step-by-step article covers how to build a functional turntable, as well as all the details a turntable bridge has. Includes many photos and drawings.

An Operating Hump-Yard Retarder

The author describes how he developed a scale working model of the hump yard retarder for his 32-foot hump yard modules. Includes model photos and construction diagrams, as well as a parts list.

Association of American Railroads Signal Manual

Prototype drawings of a highway crossing signal and signs.

Automatic Turntable

An electronic circuit for automating a turntable.

Backshop Solutions

So far the author has been working on building a P:48 turnout with a #7.5 frog. The article also covers visiting a resin manufacturer.

Ballast: The Finishing Touch

Ballast on Boston & Maine RR prototype. Preparation, ballast, and painting.

Bashing Atlas HO Switches to S

A couple of photos of how the author cuts award a commercial turnout and adjusts the gauge to fit S-scale.

Basic Turnout Wiring

Turnouts by several manufacturers are described how to hook them up electrically.

Beat The &%$#@ Wheel-Standards Dilemma With A Compromise Track Gage

An effective solution for those who had built their layout to the old NMRA standard, but now the NASG standard (at the time) has come out, so equipment is manufactured to that standard.

Bending the Iron

This article describes some of the ways that people control turnouts. It includes how to model ground throws, various switch machines, and how to install Circuitron's Tortoise machines.

Bending the Iron

To simulate the action of throwing a turnout, the author uses keys and switch locks to throw his layout's turnouts. Some modification of the switch lock is required and fully described.

Bill Pearce on Ballast

Step-by-step instructions on how the author ballasts his flextrack. There are also lots of prototype photos included with the article.

Build A Car Float

This article builds on the float bridge from the last issue. Construction details and photos accompany this article of a car float that can hold 10 cars.

Build a Scale Track

Using two set of points to divert the track to a scale. Includes diagram, construction and prototype photos.

Build a Track Cleaner

Using a piece of Masonite hardboard or similar material, the author describes how he built an S-scale version. Includes a photo and CAD-style drawings.

Build a Working Track Scale

The author wanted to simulate the effort required to weigh each car coming from a mine, so he built this working track scale. After explaining how it works, he describes the mechanism, building the Linear Variable Displacement Transformer, building the electronic circuit, testing the system, building the track and the track approach, and finalizing the details. Includes model photos, mechanical design diagrams, circuit schematic and circuit board layout diagrams, the track work details diagram, and the mechanical, electrical, and track work parts lists.

Build an Improved Inspection Car

The author improved the Micro-Mark transparent inspection car by adding couplers, using representative trucks, adding weight, and cementing small line levels (both directions).

Build N-scale Switch Stands

The author describes how he built tall switch stands to fit the Peco turnouts.

Build Your Own Switch Machines

The author shows how he builds his own twin-coil switch machines.

Building a Double Slip-Switch Part 2

Laying the outer rails and some of the frogs.

Building a Double Slip-Switch Part 4

This installment covers the throw bar design, the inner point design, and the outer frog guard rail design. Includes many close-up photos.

Building a Renewable Air Supply for Airbrush Painting

The author describes how he built his own air supply system.

Building Curved Turnouts

After explaining the benefits of a curved turnout, the author describes the design of a curved turnout, how to build it, how to build a wye, staggered switchpoints, and how curved turnouts are used in the real world. Includes several model photos, and lots of diagrams.

Building Track Bumpers

The author describes how to build various track bumpers, such as a piles of dirt, bolted-tie bumpers, and the V-bumper. Includes both prototype and model photos of examples.

Building Track Switches

The author describes how to build a custom turnout using cast frogs and points.

Building Turnouts

The author takes the reader through the process of building a turnout from scratch. Included are charts with terminology, template layout, how to file the frog, tools and materials used, and some handy homemade jigs.

Bumpers

The author describes various bumpers to use at the ends of track, and includes a number of prototype photos.

Bumping Posts and Car Stops

This article covers the many different types of ways cars are stopped. Includes detail drawings of the various types.

Cable Control for Turnouts

This article describes how to use R/C servo linkages to manually control turnouts using a DPDT slide switch mounted in a finger hole in the fascia.

Classics From the SG Herald

Modifying original American Flyer turnouts so that two can be placed very close to each, one left-handed and one right-handed. Includes diagrams.

Clean Track, Clean Wheels

This article is nice review of all the methods we can employ to keep our track and models' wheels clean. It covers the reason for dirty track, using liquid and abrasive track cleaners, and cleaning locomotive and car wheels.

Cleaning Track

Tools and methods.

Click-it Turnout Control

Using a ballpoint pen to make a manual turnout control.

Code 125 & Code 126

The NMRA S Gauge Standard Committee chairman explains the differences between these two rail types (not just the height).

Coloring Track for Maximum Effect

The author describes how to paint model railroad track. Several prototype photos are included as examples.

Concrete Bumping Blocks

Using wooden blocks, these DL&W concrete bumping blocks are easy to model. Prototype and model photos, as well as scale drawings are included.

Convert Atlas HO Scale Customline Switches to S

The author describes his process of taking Atlas HO-scale commercial turnouts and converting them to work in S-scale.

Crossing Construction Using the "Lincoln Logs" Method

This article is an expansion of a similar article that appeared in a 2003 issue of the 1:64 Modeling guide magazine. It describes how the author goes about creating a crossing of two intersecting tracks. Includes many photos.

Crossing Ties

Andy answers the question about how to position ties under various track crossings (30, 60, 75, and 90 degrees).

Curves on Straights

The author decided to use 1"x4" pine board as the sub-roadbed for his layout, and this article describes how he cut those into pieces to allow him to curve the track. Includes construction photos and the math necessary to cut the individual boards.

Curves Without Centers

This article provides the author's answer to the question of what to do when the center of the curve you're laying out is in the furnace or even outside of the train room? Provides the math and various look-up tables.

Cuyahoga Valley's Track Joints for Portable Hi-rail Layout Sections

Information about how the Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers achieved their smooth track-running on their club layout at the 1986 NASG Convention.

Derailments

Changes the author has made to reduce or eliminate derailments, especially running backwards.

Derails

A description of the purpose of derails, with prototype photos, detailed drawings, and how to model them.

Designing and Modeling PRR Track

This article describes PRR tie spacing track standards, track center spacing, and how to model those standards. It is also a good general article on how to lay track (flex track). Also covers ballasting, painting, and detailing the track.

Detailing a Commercial Turnout

The author, who predominantly models in O-scale, describes how he super-detailed an S-scale Shinohara sold by Scenery Unlimited. Includes lots of close-up photos.

Diamonds Railroad Crossings at Grade

The reality of a crossing on a prototype layout, who pays for its construction, how traffic was managed across a crossing, and how modernday crossings are constructed.

Double Crossover Wiring

The author describes how to wire double crossovers, double slip switches, and three-way switches.

Double Slip Switch

The author describes how he built double-slip turnouts. Includes photos and drawings, including how to move the points.

Easy Installation of Tortoise Switch Machines in 2" Foam

Installing a Circuitron Tortoise switch machine in anything thicker than a 3/4" subroadbed for which it was design is a challenge. This how-to tip shows, via a line drawing, how the author installed his using a perf board to be flush with the top of the foam subroadbed. Ties and ballast hide the perf board.

Easy Tracklaying

The author describes how his group (the S Team) of modelers lay their track quickly.

Engineering Department

This column continues the discussion of how to wire a turnout.

Engineering Department

Information about how to super-detail your turnout using parts appropriate for S-scale. Includes many close-up photos.

Engineering Department

The author covers rock-vs-nut ballast types, when to apply ballast, and how to apply rock ballast.

Engineering Department

The author describes how he installed the Blue Point and Tortoise switch machines. Includes many tips that make the process go much smoother.

Finger in the Light Socket

After covering the 2022 NASG Convention car, the author describes his ballasting experiment failing, and how he fixed it.

Foam Ballast

Bob Daniel shares how he makes ballast from ground-up styrofoam coffee cups.

Foolscap

The author discusses the track standards in effect (editorial: the older NMRA standard was not the same as the NASG standard for standard-gauge; they are now).

Getting to Know AMI Instant Roadbed

Using this material to lay track.

Grade Crossing

Dick shows how he used two different commercial and one scratchbuilt methods to building grade crossings.

Handlaying High Speed Turnouts

Although not prototypical, closed-frog turnouts to virtually eliminate derailments. The author describes how he builts them.

Hinged Magnetic Uncouplers

How To Build and Install a Closed Frog Switch

To be able to operate both AF and hi-rail/scale equipment, turnout have to be of the closed-frog variety. This article describes how to build and install one of these. The author used Micro Engineering code 148 rail (compatible with American Models' track), and Circuitron's Tortoise switch machines. Includes many close-up photos.

How to Combine S-Trax and FasTrack

The author describes, with text and photos, how one can interconnect the MTH/S-Helper Service track system with the Lionel track system. The roadbed heights and the rail sizes are identical.

How to Design a Helix

How to design a helix and the things one should consider in building one. It includes the math needed, and look-up tables.

How to Make Self-guarded Frogs

The author shows how he constructs self-guarded frogs, which are used in low-speed turnouts.

Improve the Appearance of Your A.F. Track

Tips on how to add extra ties, a sub-roadbed, and ballast to improve the appearance of standard A.C. Gilbert A.F. track.

Improving Kit Built Switches

This article covers how to correct some issues with the Old Pullman, Inc. turnouts, especially if reuse between layouts is desired.

Improving Scale Shops Switch Machines

The author designed a circuit that allows for three electronic switches to be triggered by the changing position of the switch machine. Includes PC design, hook-up diagram, schematic, and parts list.

Installing a Working Three-position Semaphore

Using Tomar Industries Upper Quadrant semaphores and Tortoise, the author describes how he installed them and had them working, using simple electronics, to detect train presence.

Jeff's Junction

What to consider when deciding what your minimum radius should be for your layout?

Keep Them Running

This article covers keeping wheels and track cleaning, building a track cleaning car, and preventing dust as best as possible.

Laying Flextrack on Curves

Laying Roadbed

Using cork to layout roadbed.

Let's Build a Bumping Post

This short one-page article shows how to build a conventional bumping post for the end of a track using rail pieces and brass sheet and stock.

Levers

Turning a regular electronic toggle switch into what looks like a railroad tower control lever.

Locating Uncoupler Magnets in a Yard

Where to locate electromagnet and permanent magnets.

Long Distance Switch Stand

The author describes how he built inexpensive switch position indicators that mimic switch stands.

Maintenance-free Turnouts

How to scratchbuild a turnout.

Make Your Own Simple End of Track Stop

To avoid using A.C. Gilbert AF track bumpers, which take up valuable space on his layout, the author formed his own wheel stops for his siding, and shows how he forms them.

Make Your Track Realistic

This step-by-step article covers painting rails and ties, cleaning rail, painting the scenery base, adding ballast, final clean-up and weathering

Making Roadbed Profile Templates

The author describes how to form a steel plate to the desired roadbed shape so that the roadbed's spackling compound can be shaped consistently. Various templates for HO-scale are shown.

Making Room for Trains

A clear diagram accompanies this article that describes the clearances that must be maintained by any structure around track, including roofs and space for trainmen to walk next to the rail.

Making Switch Locks from Phono Plugs and Jacks

Fascia mounted RCA phono jacks act as switch locks on the club's show layout that the crews carry along with them. Not only does this simulate the prototype but it also prevents the public from throwing the turnouts at train shows. The article shows how to make them, how to wire them to Tortoise switch machines, and how to install the panels into the fascia.

Making Your Own Ballast

The author describes how he makes his own custom blend of ballast from fine sand. Includes information about what size prototype ballast is for a specific era, and how to color the ballast.

Manual Turntable

Building a safe length of covered board to turn an entire train. The table can also be used as a display case. The article shows how to form plexiglass to be used as the protective cover.

Midgage Mumblings

Comments received about common derailments.

Model a Team Track

This construction how-to article not only describes the purpose and history of a team track but also how to build one (including a turnout in mostly covered track. Includes a side bar on how to protect signals and telephone poles on the layout using a counterweight system.

Modeling Track

The author shows how to make a Peco turnout look more realistic.

Modeling Track

George shows and describes how he colors flextrack ties and rails, applies ballast, and weathers track. Includes several model and many prototype photos.

Modeling Track

The article covers how rail size is related to rail weight, how that relates to rail height in the model, and what is recommended for laying S-scale track. Also covered are weathering rail, applying ballast, fish plates, switch details, and switch stands.

More on Large-radius Curve Layout

A mathematical approach to creating large-radius curves that go beyond the physical space we may have available for using the chord method.

More on Re-gauging Atlas HO Switches

The author does a follow-up article to his 1994 article, answering questions, and showing more detailed photos.

More on Trackage

Robert L. Miller is producing plastic tie strips again, which can handle code 100 and code 126 rail.

MR Workshop

Bob Opie shares his construction of a track cleaning car that uses two blocks of wooden on trucks, with a block freely sliding vertically in between them, with a rubber band providing the downward pressure, which does the actual track cleaning work. The block can be Homasote or a Bright Boy.

My Perfect Turnout Controller

The author describes how he built an O-scale ground throw for realistic operation of his turnouts.

My Tortoise Template

The author describes a jig he built to make it easier to install the switch machines.

My Turnout Scratchbuilding Journey

The author shares the mistakes he made and what he did to correct them in building his first hand-made turnout. He consulted both Charlie Comstock's video and the Fast Track turnout templates.

N-trak Tips

The author covers the basics of how to lay N-scale track on a module or a layout.

Narrow Gauge Industrial Railroads

A small industrial switching area with a turntable can be easily built to hand-switch cars in an industrial complex. Includes two photos.

NASG Trackwork and Wheel Standard

Information about the current NASG track standard. Includes a listing of track and brass models that comply with that standard.

Newark Wye: A Prototype Planning Seminar

By researching the prototype the author came up with a trackplan modeling this wye. Includes many prototype photos, track plan ideas, and the final track plan.

No Stall Double-Slip

The authors describe how they resolved the electrical wiring of a double-slip switch.

Old Pullman Track

B.T.S. is the exclusive dealer for this brand of code 100 rail track.

Operational Friendly Turnouts

The author describes the details in four close-up photos he took of prototype turnout details.

Other Double-Switches

Other track configurations that accomplish the same thing as a double-switch, but they do take up more space.

Other Resources Part 1

The author discusses using HO- and O-scale parts for S-scale track, and using techniques covered in other-scales magazine articles that are applicable to S-scale.

Painting Track

Plop and Play Track Turnouts

A review of the track systems available to S-scale modelers, and is there any hope for a code 100 track system in S?

Poor Man's Turnout Control

Using a choke cable to manually control a turnout. Includes a how-to diagram.

Prototype View

Photos of complex prototype track work. Also includes a photo of the author's dummy crossovers on his layout, to give the impression of complex trackwork.

Publisher's Musings

The author is considering not using any under-the-layout turnout throwing mechanisms for his new layout, but rather flicking the turnout by hand using an embedded spring. Power-routing will be done with frog juicers.

Query Jerry

A person only known as "Jerry" answers modeling questions. This installment covers how to keep your track clean, and hand-laying track on a curve.

R/C Servos for Model Railroading

How to use, install, and control radio-control servos for throwing turnouts. Circuit boards are available to control these servos, and they can be used with DC or DCC controlled layouts. There is a side bar on resources for microprocessors needed to drive the servos, and a side bar on how servos work.

Rail & Tie Centering Jig

A quick how-to on creating a jig that helps you to keep hand-laid track centered across the ties.

Rail and Flange Lubricators

An easily but seldom modeled bit of detail, especially where railroads sinuously negotiate hilly and mountainous country, is the "rail greaser" and its oily trail. Includes prototype photos, and detail drawings.

Rail Renewal Part 1

This series is about how rail is replaced. This installment covers how rail is manufactured, covers rail height, weight, and length, quality of rail, rail failures, Sperry rail service, determining when rail is to be renewed, how rail is shipped, and prototype and model work trains. Includes prototype photos, a table converting model rail codes to scale rail heights and PRR and AREA rail weight to physical height, and a table on rail classification.

Rail Supports: Modeling from the Prototype

These track-side details provide a good example of mainline repair crew activity. A scale drawing, as well as model and prototype photos are shown for these stands that hold two pieces of rail.

Railroad Line Poles

Telegraph and signal lines and how to place them. Includes prototype photos and detail drawings.

Rails in the Street

The author provides a closer look at what it takes to have track in streets. Several modernday photos are included.

Realistic Telegraph Poles

Using Rix green-tinted plastic crossarms, the author shows how he scratchbuilt telegraph poles. Includes the jig used, construction photos, and a prototype photo.

Repair-in-Place Modeling

A handful of photos and a description of the author's RIP track scene.

Repair-in-Place, RIP Track

A photo essay of RIP track scenes.

Repairing Finished Trackwork

How to fix a vertical kink in finished track? The step-by-step guide includes photos.

Right-of-way Detailing: Stock Guards

Guards to keep cattle from getting on the tracks.

Roque Bluffs, Handlaid Turnouts Part 5

This installment covers how to handlay Proto:87 turnouts. Included are diagrams that describe each part of a turnout, what a check gauge is supposed to check, and how to file points. Lots of photos show tips on handlaying turnouts, verifying your work, and how to lay track for in-street modeling.

Route Control for Slow-motion Turnout Motors

The author describes how he designed and built route control with a single selector knob for yard ladders, but for use with Tortoise (or other slow-motion) switch machines.

S Lore

Using automotive choke cables to control turnouts.

S Lore

What size rail height should S-scale modelers use?

S Track Survey Part Five

This installment covers the American S Gauge track system marketed by Classic Trains of California. This track features solid code 172 nickel-silver rail, and the ties are made of ABS plastic with wood grain pattern.

S Track Survey Part Four

This article reviews what is available in S-scale track from S-Helper Service, how to mate it with traditional American Flyer track, some negatives about the track system, and a parts list of the track pieces in their product line.

S Track Survey Part One

This article introduces the various track systems available in S-scale. It covers what is available from various manufacturers.

S Track Survey Part Three

The series continues with a review of the American Models track system, how to use their flextrack, limitations of the system, how to make "scale" wheels negotiate the turnouts, and a listing of the currently-available pieces.

S Track Survey Part Two

The author advises against buying/using rusted American Flyer original track, checking the gauge of track you do use, and how to maintain turnouts. He also covers the current crop of Lionel AF track, and the GarGraves track system.

S Tracks

This article describes grade crossings and ideas for how to model them.

S Tracks

How does one get foreign-road cars on one's layout? Via the Interchange Track. This unique and easy-to-model track is fully discussed in this article, which includes how to integrate it into your layout's operational scheme.

Safetran Highway Crossing Gates

A description of how the modern-day highway crossing gates work. Includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

Scale Ballast

After discussing what he has learned from prototype ballast, the author describes how he sifted and filtered his own using Woodland Scenics fine ballast.

Scale Scene

The author describes the differences between open frog and closed frog turnouts, the anatomy of a turnout, what is available in S-scale, and building your own turnouts.

Scale Scene

The author makes the case for scratchbuilding your own turnouts, however, he recommends flextrack for regular track (the cost of handlaying regular track is higher than buying flextrack). He describes how he deals with the different ties, how to make and use track gauges,

Scale Scene

The author describes the mechanical switch machines he makes himself.

Scale Throwbars

The author shares his use of custom parts to make a turnout's throwbar look more realistic.

Scale Track Systems

Using code 70 or 83 in yards and sidings and code 100 on the main line has been a good choice for S-scalers modeling the transition era. The author continues by reviewing American Models flextrack, Customtrax flextrack, Tomalco flextrack, Shinohara flextrack, S-Helper Service flextrack, and sharing tips on how to work with all of them.

Scratchbuild a Semaphore

The author describes the basics of a semaphore, how we can build one, and how to make it operational using a Circuitron Tortoise. Both HO- and O-scale are discussed.

Scratchbuilt Closing Frog Switches

This article covers how the Connecticut S Gaugers built #6 and #8 closed-frog turnouts for their club layout. Includes diagrams.

Short And Easy

This column covers John Long's idea for adjusting the Centerline HO-scale Rail Cleaner for use in S-scale.

Short and Easy

A guest column by Gaylord Gill describes how he built a track elevation gauge to help him construct his layout.

Short and Easy

This article shows how to Frank Andrews uses an ordinary push-pin as a means to hold the points of a turnout in position. The pin is decorated to look like a tall turnout target.

Short and Easy

The author describes how to cut an HO-scale Rix Rail-it down the middle length-wise and rebuild it as an S-scale rerailer.

Short and Easy

The author shares the description he got from Joe Scales about how to make installing the Del-Aire Air Motor (switch machine) better. The article is supposed to show a photo, but it was not included in the issue (see February 1999, page 14 for the drawing).

Short-proofing a Shinohara #8 Turnout

The author's article provides step-by-step instructions on removing the possibility of shorting at the point rail contact with the stock rails while eliminating the need for jumpers at the hinge points. Includes a photo of the turnout, and how to replace the throwbar.

Slip Switches

Shows and answers the difference between a single and double-slip turnout.

Sn3, HOn2½, Nn3: Breaking the Code

Definitions of narrow gauge railroading.

So Here's What I Do

The author describes mehods by which he remotely uncouples cars on his layout.

So Here's What I Do

The author claims he never cleans his layout's track; he uses an oil instead.

So Here's What I Do

The author briefly describes how he indicates to which turnout a fascia knob belongs.

So Here's What I Do...

The author had a fully-functional layout when the NASG decided to tighten-up the track standards so that the guard rail was closer to the stock rails. This is the current NASG and NMRA standard for S, but the author was reluctant to relay all of his beautiful track work, so he describes in this article what he did to make it all interoperate anyway.

Soldering Rail for Smoother Running

A photo essay of how to properly solder flextrack with metal railjoiners. Includes a link to a step-by-step video as well.

Soldering Track

The basics on what it takes to soldering rail joiners and wire to rail. Includes many step-by-step photos.

Soldering Tracks

This article covers the basics of soldering rail joiners and soldering wire to the rails.

Soo Line Standard Switch Stands

Prototype drawings of the "star" switch stand and the "banner" switch stand.

Special Track Work on the Lehigh & Western

The author describes his reasoning for, and his method of, hand-laying track. Instead of using ready-made components, he designed his layout the way he wanted to, and then built the track accordingly. David's layout uses standard-gauge, and three-foot and two-foot narrow-gauge lines.

Splice Bar Alternatives

How to simulate splice bars, rail joiners, and how to create that clickety-clack sound.

Staging Yards

This article covers four different types of staging yards we can add to our layouts.

Stall-motor Turnout Control

A simple circuit for controlling these turnout controllers from multiple locations.

Standards Gauge

This article describes what a standards gauge is, where to get one, and how to use its many features.

Straight & Narrow

Using N-scale track to model an Sn22 tramway (using banta modelworks' kit T-2121, Sn2 Ore Tram Mine Cars).

Switch Control Linkage

The author describes how he constructs his turnout linkage mechanism for both manual and power operations.

Switch Stands and Targets

This article describes the purpose of these two devices and how to model them (either static model or functional).

Switchstands - That Work!

The author shares the ground throws he has designed for three different layouts in his area, that seem to have stood up to the handling.

Symmetrical Tilting Mechanism

The author describes how he developed a system by which the car will tilt on bad track, simulating the real-world rocking-and-rolling that equipment does.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

Prototype and model information about dual-gauge track and turnouts.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

How to model in other narrow gauges other than 3-foot in S-scale (Sn2, Sn42).

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author suggests trying to build an interchange between standard- and narrow-gauge tracks. The article also contains information about an Sn2 discussion list.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This column discusses narrow-gauge curves, grades, clearances, and rail.

The 'S'traight & Narrow Part II

The author continues with how to model an interchange between standard- and narrow-gauge tracks.

The Art of Finescale

How to install feeder wires to track without them being visible later on.

The Art of Finescale

The author describes how he built secondary track spur which is lower than the main line track.

The Mark 7 Turnout Control

The author describes how he built a mechanism that holds the turnout's points in position, while still allowing the operator to manually flip the turnout directly. No control panel needed.

The Monson Village Turntable in HOn30

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this 2-foot gauge, short turntable. It includes prototype photos, scale drawings, and many detail construction photos.

The Scenery Clinic Part X

Paul discusses how he attaches track feeder wires under the rail so that they are no visible when the track is installed on the layout.

The Straight & Narrow

(again, note that the article's page number is "20", but should have been 18) The author is getting ready to lay ties and rail on his home layout. The article covers what a rail height's code number mimics in the real world (as scaled down to S). Several test tracks are described to prepare for the formal track work.

The Team Track

Observations about the team track.

The Ultimate Uncoupler

Build a hidden electromagnetic uncoupler

The Workshop

Turnout machines developed for his layout.

Threading the Needle

Using a straw to guide track feeders through layers of insulation foam.

Tortoise Tips

Model aircraft push rods make installation quicker and easier.

Towards Reliable Operation

Tips on what to do to keep trains on the tracks. Topics include flange profiles (prototype vs. model), trucks form a triangle for stability, lateral-to-vertical wheel force ratios, car weighting, and fool-proof wiring.

Track Buyer's Guide Part 2

This installment covers what kind of commercial track is available for N-, S-, and Z-scales.

Track Cleaning the Easy Way

Using the Woodland Scenics' Dust Monkey, the author describes how he uses it in his N-scale layout.

Track Construction The Rutland Way

This long article covers track laying from beginning to end. Includes prototype photos of turnouts (close-up), and a turnout detailing diagram.

Track Inspection

The author describes how track is inspected. The article includes several photos of modern-day track inspection vehicles (converted flat-bed or SUVs).

Track Pan Display in Wilmore, Pennsylvania

After a bit of history on track pans near Wilmore, PA, the author introduces the ability for people to visit a preserved small section of the track pans at Dave Wright's home.

Track Planning in S Part VIII

Using two standard modules with some temporary track to be able to model an L-shaped switching layout.

Track Profiles

Describes the various track profiles used given a piece of track's purpose.

Track Tricks

Ideas for installing flex track.

Trackwork Detailing Part 1

The series starts with an article about how to make Delrin ties of flextrack more realistic-looking. Includes step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos.

Trackwork Detailing Part 2

This installment covers rail lengths, rail and turnout details, turnout dimensions for various frog angles, and lots of close-up prototype photos.

Trade News And Views

Since there are now other magazines reporting on S-scale's new products, the author has decided to change his product-announcement column to one that reviews currently-available products, with this column covering S-scale track products.

Trade News And Views

The author reviews the current crop of S-scale turnouts that are available.

Train Eater - A Vertical Staging Yard

The problem of simulating a lot of interchange traffic with connecting railroads within the confines of a relatively small layout was solved by building a vertically-moving rack of staging tracks. Includes construction photos and diagrams.

Tru-Scale Trackage

The author describes his experiences with using Tru-Scale roadbed and code 126 rail, even though it is milled for code 172. He mentions using the C-D gauge, which was a three-point gauge manufactured by Cleveland Design.

Turning the Tables

The author describes how he retrofitted an Atlas turntable under his upper-level benchwork and built a turntable bridge.

Turnout Actuating Mechanism for Houston S Gaugers Modular Layout

A set of diagrams (only) of how the author constructed the turnout control mechanism for the turnouts on the Houston S Gaugers' club layout. It uses a DPDT slide switch to manipulate the throwbar and the frog's power routing.

Turnout Templates Take Tedious Track Laying to Task!

This article offers a full-size template for two sizes of turnouts.

Types of Track

The author describes the various types of pre-manufactured track available in S-scale.

Ultrareliable Handlaid Turnouts

The author describes how he hand-lays turnouts for trouble-free operations. The article includes lots of detail drawings that describe the various steps to follow.

Urban Street Trackage

The author describes how he built track that is embedded in streets. Includes lots of model photos.

Using a Double Slip-Switch, or Read All About It!

Lots of photos of the turnout set to various positions.

Variations on a Theme: Modifications to Boone Morrison's Homemade Turnout Control

The author describes his modifications to Boone Morrison's article in the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette's November/December 1997 issue. Article covers how to make a push-pull system and how he wired up two turnouts for a crossover.

Weathering Fox Valley Track on the MR2GO!

The author gives a step-by-step process of how he weathered his portable layout's track.

Weathering Track

George Sellios' techniques for detailing flextrack on the Franklin & South Manchester.

Weathering Track the LM Way

The article was based on Lance Mindheim's article, which the author has modified for his S-scale track work.

What Does the Siding Do Anyway?

Purpose of a siding. Prototype and modeling photos.

What Size Rail is Correct?

The author re-evaluated the rail heights for his sidings and branch lines. He shares the research he did (standard- and narrow-gauge).

What's Neat

The author shows how he cleans track with some homemade tools, his improvements made to his airbrush compressor set-up, shares photos about how Michael Gross does his modeling work in hotels, how he does dust removal from scenery, and some photo/video props.

What's On Your Workbench Today?

Building a crossover from two MTH turnouts (the divergent track curve has to be trimmed to make this possible).

When Modeling... Ballast

Available resources for S-scale modelers who want to apply ballast to their track.

When Modeling... Turntables

Information about which turntables are available in S-scale at the time of this writing.

Whiteoak Models Code 100 Turnouts

The owner of Whiteoak Models describes the turnouts he has manufactured and sells.

Wiring a Double-Ended Yard

How to wire double-ended yards for ease of prototypical operation, by using the extra contact points on the switch machines.

Wye Switch at AJ Tower

The author describes how he built the wye turnout for his layout to model a portion of the D&RGW. Includes photos and a construction diagram.

Zip Ballasting

The author describes his latest methods for ballasting track. Includes many step-by-step photos and also covers weathering track.