| Designing and setting up the track layout for | | | | needed to hold it firmly. Finally, insert electrical |
| Bachmann model trains can be a fun and rewarding | | | | connection for power. |
| experience. Scale model trains require consideration of | | | | Ballast is the rocks or gravel placed in between the |
| many facts while planning their design. This article | | | | rails and ties. Ballast comes in a variety of sizes and |
| provides some important facts about the track and | | | | colors, including custom colors, which can be made by |
| ballast, and how these two components can work | | | | mixing two or more standard colors. You can find |
| together to create an amazing surface for any scale | | | | ballast at local hobby shops or online. Choose a size |
| model trains to run on. | | | | and color appropriate for your scale model trains and |
| Track is available in several finishes and sizes. When | | | | native to the area of the design. Ballast also works |
| selecting a finish, choose nickel whenever possible. | | | | universally across all brands so the same ballast that |
| Though it is the most expensive option, brass is being | | | | works with Bachmann trains will work just as well with |
| phased out and steel oxidizes and attracts debris | | | | Bachmann, Hornby and any other brand. |
| rapidly. Each track is assigned a code number which | | | | After the track is installed and painted, it is time to |
| refers to the height of the rails. Code 100 is the most | | | | install the ballast. Use a teaspoon to slowly sprinkle the |
| widely used, but Code 83 can be used for a more | | | | ballast, beginning with the inside rails and then moving to |
| realistic look. The width of the track is called "gauge." | | | | the outside. Keep the edges neat and straight and |
| Whether you are running Bachmann trains or Lionel or | | | | gently remove ballast off the rails with a soft brush. Be |
| any other brand, all scale model trains must be the | | | | careful not to get any on the points. |
| same gauge as the track in order to run properly. | | | | Hobbyists have a great variety of track and ballast |
| Bachmann trains and track come in several gauges | | | | available to fit the needs of just about any track layout |
| with "O" and "HO" being the most popular. | | | | imaginable. These two components work together to |
| After choosing a track, installation is easy and only | | | | make your scale model trains realistic and fun. |
| requires a few basic steps. First, mark the positions for | | | | Selecting the right size track in an appropriate finish, |
| your track layout plan on the board surface. Next, lay | | | | and completing it with ballast native to the area being |
| out the track loosely on the plan and make sure | | | | portrayed helps convey the theme of the design. By |
| everything fits securely. Don't skip this step because | | | | taking care in selecting the correct size and finish, scale |
| adjustments and corrections are often required and it | | | | model trains hobbyists can take just as much pride in |
| will be too late to make changes later. Next, nail as | | | | their track and ballast as they do in owning brands like |
| many rail spikes through the holes in the track as is | | | | Bachmann trains. |