All O Gauge track shares some common characteristics. All 3 rail O Gauge track has three rails, spaced evenly apart, with the outer rails 1 ¼ inches apart. All 3 rail O Gauge track is configured where the middle rail provides the positive, or ‘hot’ power to the train, while the two outer rails are grounded [the advantage of this system will become evident when building more complex layouts]. With very, very few exceptions, trains made by O Gauge train makers will work on one another’s track.
Most 3 Rail O Gauge track is sectional, meaning that the pieces are rigidly constructed in a certain length or curve diameter. All types of track are made in a variety of curve diameters, and all lines offer a variety of switches [the track sections that allow two tracks to diverge or merge together] and crossing sections. Some manufacturers also offer flexible track sections, which can be bent to a variety of curvatures.
However, the different types of track normally do not hook together without the use of adapter tracks. The differences are due to the level of detail the track has and its method of construction. In the late 2000s, there are seven major types of O Gauge track on the market. To learn more about each type of O gauge track, please read our Track Plans & Ideas page.
If you don't see what you're looking for here in our store, please check our eBay auctions for O-Scale Modern Track . |
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