Good morning fellow lovers of model trains,

Recently I have been studying the design and evolution of the humble model train track. Primarily in HO and N scale, from Atlas to Tomix and all manufactures in between. The one pattern that I see with “model tracks” is the realistic appearance in miniature that are truly beautiful to see. Some examples would be the new Peco HO code 75 bullhead track, Kato's n scale unitrack superelevated double track and the very nice Tillig Elite HO track system.

What I’m trying to say is that I’m glad this hobby is still alive and kicking! If you would like to add to my post please feel free to add more thoughts!

Michel

Indeed, its good to see we have come a long way from the very toy like (robust and simple) tracks of the 1930's-50's.

For the British OO scale market, there has been that bizarre state of running on HO scale track. So using HO scale track, the tie spacing was of course HO (1:87), while the cars where (other than wheel spacing) all OO scale (1:76), so those ties looked way too close together. The new track is an attempt to address this issue by making the look more OO scale.

For the ultimate modeler, there is still the hand laying of track and building your own turnouts using copper clad PCB and soldering it using jigs and other tools. That gets you the most realistic looking track, but is a LOT of work, too much for most model railroad enthusiasts.

Hi Michel,
This is a very interesting subject.
I have quite a collection of HO track.
The earliest was made for trainsets around 1923 by the firm Gebruder Bing of Germany.
It was made in two tinplate versions with the built in ballasting similar to either Hornby Dublo or Maerklin.
The first was 2 rails (for clockwork) and the second was 3 rails for electric.

It interests me that the successful built-in-ballast style is still going almost 100 years later.
Fleischmann, Kato, Tomix, Tillig, Maerklin and Roco are some of those who maintain this trend.

Kimball

As an aside, who was it who made that copper strip that could be laid under two rail track (with no ballast bed) to convert it to 3 rail stud contact? It was bent in such a way that it would pop up between the sleepers and form the stud contacts.

Thanks, yes that is it. Didn't realise they still made it. Although it works it is no fun...!

Years ago, when I used it, it seemed like a cheap alternative to M track for hidden long straights. Nowadays there is nothing cheaper than M track, indeed some of my track has been free, given to me by kind members of this forum.

Why?
Jabez