The HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout wouldn’t be a model railroad without the trackwork! In this episode, hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work to install sections of flexible straight track, before demonstrating how to add standard turnouts (track switches) along the line.
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Would you consider wiring the CN Mianline section as a programming track section?
Not connected anyway.
Will the CN mainline be wired or just be a dummy track for appearance? I presume no DCC is needed since it is not tied to any operational move..
Track is down. Fire up the locomotives put the cars on there and let’s call it a layout.
A personal choice. Were I the track layer, I would cut about 1/4 inch off one rail of each turnout leg to avoid rail gaps in line with each other. Same with joining straight track pieces together. Curves, of course, would take care of themselves.
Question. Doesn’t nailing track through to the plywood lessen the sound absorption benefits from the cork? Or do these small nails create minimum noise pass-through?
Once the layout is complete enough to have scenery, you can find that reaching carelessly to a Caboose throw can damage or dislodge scenic elements. Not ideal. Plus the purist may not be happy with a large, non-scale piece of plastic at the turnout. But, your railroad, your choice.
I am curios why you wouldn’t Caboose Hobbies ground throws as it makes switching so much easier on a switching layout and more fun.
Jeff Damerst