HO Scale Tracks

"The ride is in the roadbed," as any railroader will tell you. HO scale track manufacturers take that wisdom seriously. Leading track manufacturers include Atlas, Bachmann, and Life-Like, although all model manufacturers make or stock a variety of track options. Atlas traces it origins to track manufacture and continues to work on innovations in track connections and power delivery.

Track construction and layout is where engineering meets engineering. Rails come with and without pre-formed ties, and purists debate the merits of steel vs. nickel silver. Rusting problems have led manufacturers increasingly to use nickel silver. Other maintenance problems can be addressed with special cars designed to clean model tracks.

Beginning railroaders may wish to start with designed layouts, many of which are based on historic railyards. Adding additional track has been simplified by increasingly compatible connectors. Add straightaway, curves and switching stations to enhance your layout. Look also at recent developments in electronic control systems to make your train tracks work at their full potential.