US

Blog: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Laying Track (and how to fix them)

Smooth, reliable running starts with your track. Whether you’re laying your first oval or adding a complex yard, avoiding a few common pitfalls will save you derailments, poor power, and headaches down the line. Here are five expert mistakes to avoid, with practical fixes you can apply today.

Mistake 1: Skipping the baseboard prep

What goes wrong: Even a slight bow, twist, or soft spot in your base causes micro-kinks and poor rail alignment.

How to avoid/fix:

- Check for flatness with a straightedge or long ruler before any track goes down.

- If using foam, add a plywood top or rigid board where turnouts sit.

- Dry-lay the full plan and run trains before fixing anything permanently.

Helpful example:

- Build a basic oval using a robust, flat surface and a known-good set like Kato Unitrack M1 Basic Oval with Controller (20-852) to test your base is true before expanding.

Mistake 2: Forcing rail joiners and misaligning geometry

What goes wrong: Bent or partially seated joiners introduce bumps that cause wobble and intermittent contact.

How to avoid/fix:

- Align pieces level and square; don’t force them. If resistance is high, back off and re-seat.

- Inspect unijoiners for wear; replace any that feel loose or bent.

- Use longer straights (e.g., 248 mm 20-000) to bridge where small misalignments creep in.

Troubleshooting tip: If a loco hesitates at the same spot, lift that joint and re-seat until you feel a positive, flush click.

Mistake 3: Under-powering the layout

What goes wrong: One feed on a growing loop or complex plan leads to voltage drop and stalling, especially over points and crossings.

How to avoid/fix:

- Add additional power feeds as your layout expands; aim to feed each distinct loop or long run.

- Use purpose-built connectors like the Kato Terminal Uni-Joiner (24-818) for clean, reliable feeds; keep polarity consistent.

- For layouts with multiple turnouts, keep point motor wiring and track power tidy and separated where possible.

Troubleshooting tip: If lights dim or speed changes around the layout, add a second feed opposite your main connection and test again.

Mistake 4: Ignoring minimum radii and clearances

What goes wrong: Curves that are too tight, S-curves without a straight “breather,” or platforms too close to the track cause buffer-scrape and derailments.

How to avoid/fix:

- Plan curves with appropriate radii for the stock you run; larger stock needs broader curves.

- Insert at least one straight section between opposing curves to reduce lateral stress.

- Test clearances at platforms, bridges, and scenery with your longest coach or loco before fixing track.

Pro tip: Use consistent radius pieces within a curve to keep transitions smooth; refer to TrainTrax’s Track Radius guidance and Unitrack curved sections to match your plan.

Mistake 5: Ballasting or fixing track before it’s proven

What goes wrong: Once glued, small flaws become permanent problems.

How to avoid/fix:

- Run a “soak test” for 20-30 minutes at varying speeds over every route before any adhesive or ballast goes near the track.

- Mark any hesitation points with low-tack tape, lift, re-seat, and retest.

- Only after you’re consistently derailment-free should you proceed to ballast or scenic fixing.

Turnout tip: Keep moving parts free of glue. If you’re using accessory switches like Kato 24-840BK and extension leads 24-841, protect wiring while ballasting.

Quick Pre-Fix Checklist

- Flat, rigid base checked

- All joints seated; no visible gaps

- Adequate power feeds installed

- Radii and clearances tested with longest stock

- 20–30 min fault-free running before fixing

Recommended Starting Points at TrainTrax

- Unitrack N Gauge category for straights, curves, and turnouts

- 20-852 M1 Basic Oval with Controller (BM1) for a tested starting loop

- 24-818 Terminal Uni-Joiner for clean power feeds

- Unitrack Accessories for point switches and extensions

Conclusion