Handlaying Code 40 Track  

This article describes how I handlay code 40 rail. "code 40" stands for model railroad track that is 0.040" tall (forty one-thousandths). In N-scale that comes out to about 6-and-half inches of rail height. It may be considered light rail for some mainline track, but I find that it looks more prototypical. I started off creating some small dioramas using that rail just to experiment, however, this is now my normal way of laying track.

Click on a topic of interest below, or start with the first one and follow along. Each page has a link to the next topic. The photos used to illustrate the accompanying text may span several layouts and dioramas. I try to improve these pages as I learn more.

Laying Ties Preparing the subroadbed and installing ties.
Ballasting Putting ballast between the ties.
Rail Laying Jig Building a simple jig which aids in laying the rail.
Laying Rail Finally actually laying rail.
Turnouts Building in-place turnouts (article still under construction).
Copyright © 1999-2008 Peter Vanvliet