Large Scale Track – Introduction

Last Updated: 17 May 2023

Introduction

There’s three things you need to know and/or decide on when it comes to track: the height of the rail profile (and other dimensions), the material of the rail profile, and the look and material of the ties. When designing a layout, the geometry and the available space are important. And last but not least, thinking about clearances is important to make sure bigger rolling stock can also pass through a tunnel or close to a wall without issues.

  • Rail Profile Height a.k.a. “Code”
    • Standard Gauge or Narrow Gauge?
    • Form or Function?
    • “Code” includes: Code 332, Code 250, Code 200, …
  • Rail Profile Material
    • Indoor or Outdoor?
    • Form or Function?
    • Materials include: brass, stainless steel, aluminium, …
  • Ties
  • Geometry
    • The radius or diameter (radius x 2) of the curves and switches you will use
    • General rule: go as big as the available space allows
    • Sectional Track or Flex Track?

Rail Profile Height aka “Code”

The Prototype:

  • Standard Gauge (Europe – UIC 60): 172 mm
  • Standard Gauge (US – ARA 90 LBS): 5-5/8 in = 143 mm
  • Narrow Gauge (Europe – Swiss Rhätische Bahn): 145 mm
  • Narrow Gauge (US) = ?

Converted to 1:22,5 Scale [2(m) Scale]

  • Standard Gauge Europe: 172 mm / 22,5 = 7,65 mm = 0.301 in
  • Narrow Gauge Europe: 145 mm / 22,5 = 6,45 mm = 0.254 in

Converted to 1:32 Scale [1 Scale]

  • Standard Gauge Europe: 172 mm / 32 = 5,38 mm = 0.212 in
  • Standard Gauge US: 143 mm / 32 = 4,47 mm = 0.176 in

Converted to G Scale:

  • Basically the rail profile should suit anything between 1:22,5 and 1:32 scale = 0.212 in to 0.301 in

The size in inches is used to describe a rail profile with a “Code” value. So 0.250 inches becomes Code 250. On the Large Scale market, you’ll find Code 332, 250, 215 and 200.

Modeling the Prototype – Reality

  • G Scale = Code 332
  • 2(m) Scale European = Code 332 if you want G scale compatibility
  • 2(m) Scale European = Code 250 for purists
  • 1 Scale European = Code 200 (Code 215 was seen in the past)
  • 1 Scale US = Code 215 (?)
  • F Scale (US)

Rail Profile Material

Aluminium

  • PROS: Inexpensive, weathers to non-shiny look, suited for battery power, suited for indoor railways
  • CONS: Easily oxidizes, high maintenance, less suited for outdoor use

Brass

  • PROS: Widely available, durable, moderate cost, weathers to reasonably prototypical look
  • CONS: Easily oxidizes, regular maintenance

Nickel Silver

  • PROS: Very durable, low maintenance, weathers to non-shiny grey look
  • CONS: Limited availability, oxidizes not easily, higher cost than brass

Stainless Steel

  • PROS: Super durable, very low maintenance
  • CONS: Shiny rail, won’t weather nicely (at all), limited availability

When & What To Use?

  • Indoor: Aluminium if you want the lowest cost. Brass because it’s widely available and affordable.
  • Outdoor: Aluminium if you only run battery power. Brass because it’s widely available, affordable and weathers nicely, Stainless Steel if you want near-zero maintenance and don’t care about the shiny looks.

Ties

Prototype – Material & Evolution

  • Narrow Gauge
    • Wood
    • Steel
    • Concrete
  • Standard Gauge
    • Wood
    • Steel
    • Concrete
  • Niche stuff
    • Steel Y (German HSB)