Flexible Track for Individual Radii
The long track can be cut to create individual curves, transition curves and special lengths.
Prototypical Centre-Conductor Track Without a Fixed Roadbed
Märklin H0 K Track | Flexible Track, Radii & Turnouts
The illustrated overview of Märklin K Track: short and long straights, 900-millimetre flexible track, fixed curves, reverse curves, contact and transition track, standard and slender turnouts, curved turnouts, a three-way turnout, an electric turnout drive and complete layout track packages.
H0 gauge
1:87 scale
16.5 mm track gauge
Märklin centre conductor
without a fixed roadbed
900 mm flexible track
Range reviewed:
Individual Roadbed Design and Flexible Track Alignment
What is Märklin H0 K Track?
Märklin K Track is an H0 centre-conductor track system without a permanently moulded ballast roadbed. It combines finely engraved sleepers, full-profile rails and discreet stud contacts positioned between the sleepers.
The system belongs to H0 gauge at a scale of 1:87. The track gauge is 16.5 millimetres. Both running rails form the common return conductor, while the vehicle pickup shoe contacts the centre conductor.
Because no fixed roadbed body is present, the height, width, colour and weathering of the ballast bed can be designed individually. K Track is therefore especially suitable for permanent layouts, modules, stations and prototypical route sections.
The 900-millimetre flexible track permits individual radii, transition curves and flowing routes. Fixed straights and curves simplify precise station layouts, hidden yards and defined parallel routes.
Standard and slender turnouts, curved turnouts and a symmetrical three-way turnout permit different routes. The electric turnout drive can be installed at the side or largely out of sight using an underfloor conversion set.
Individual Track Roadbed
Sound insulation, ballast colour, trackside paths, drainage and weathering can be designed to suit the represented prototype.
Concealed Turnout Drives
Suitable electric drives can be installed beneath the layout board using an underfloor conversion set.
Fixed Radii, Partial Curves and Slender Turnout Geometry
Compare Märklin K Track Radii and Curve Angles
K Track combines a compact industrial curve with several larger radius families. Twelve 30-degree curves, twenty-four 15-degree curves or forty-eight 7.5-degree curves form a complete circle.
| Geometry | Radius | Products | Angle | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Curve | 295.4 mm | 2210 | 45° | Very compact track alignment; not suitable for every long vehicle |
| 222x Radius Family | 360 mm | 2221, 2223, 2224 | 30°, 15° and 7.5° | Compact inner circle and smaller H0 layouts |
| 223x Radius Family | 424.6 mm | 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234 | 30°, 22.5°, 15° and 7.5° | Outer circle and standard turnout geometry |
| Large-Radius Curve 2241 | 553.9 mm | 2241 | 30° | Larger visible routes; no longer regularly listed in the shop |
| Large-Radius Curve 2251 | 618.5 mm | 2251 | 30° | Generous visible routes and long vehicles |
| Slender Turnout | 902.4 mm | 22715, 22716 | 14° 26′ | Prototypical station approaches and main lines |
| Flexible Track | Individual | 2205 | Freely planned | Transition curves and freely flowing routes |
Observe Vehicle Radii
The 295.4-millimetre industrial curve is particularly compact. Long coaches, multiple units and large locomotives frequently require larger radii.
Cut Flexible Track Cleanly
The rails and centre conductor must be cut cleanly. At cut joints, 7595 connecting and contact clips provide the appropriate connection.
Use System Transitions
Product 2291 connects K Track and M Track. The transition between K Track and C Track is created using C Track transition section 24922.
Catalogue Numbers, Product Images and Direct Links
Märklin H0 K Track by Product Group
Every product receives its own card with a catalogue number, precise description, permanently assigned main image and direct shop link. Search terms can include “2205”, “flexible track”, “424.6”, “contact track”, “slender turnout”, “75491” or “Andreastal”.
Products no longer regularly listed, including curved track
2241 and contact-track set 2295, are not displayed as current
product cards. Connection track 2292 contains a suppression
capacitor and, according to the manufacturer information in
the source text, is not intended for digital or Delta
operation.
No matching Märklin K Track product was found.
Check the catalogue number or select “All Products” again.
From the Track Plan to an Individually Ballasted Layout
Planning and Laying Märklin K Track Correctly
The strengths of K Track are particularly apparent when flexible track, the substructure, power feeds, turnout drives and subsequent ballasting are planned together.
Visible Main Lines
Flexible track, transition curves and slender turnouts permit flowing and prototypical route alignments.
Stations and Turnout Formations
Short straights, standard turnouts, curved turnouts and slender turnouts permit compact or generous station layouts.
Hidden Yards and Concealed Areas
Fixed geometric sections simplify reliable construction. Turnouts and track connections must remain accessible.
Step 1
Match Vehicles and Radii
Check the minimum radius of the longest locomotives, coaches and multiple units.
Step 2
Prepare the Substructure and Track Centreline
The route and sound insulation must be level. Flexible track must not be fixed while under tension.
Step 3
Plan Electrics and Drives
Power feeds, centre-conductor isolation points, feedback sections and underfloor drives should be prepared before ballasting.
Step 4
Test First, Then Add Ballast
Test every route with different vehicles before the track is permanently detailed.
Avoid Common K Track Errors
- Forcing flexible track under tension into tight curves
- Cutting the rails or centre conductor unevenly or too short
- Using the industrial curve without checking the vehicles
- Providing too few power feeds for long routes
- Allowing ballast adhesive to enter point blades or drives
- Installing underfloor drives without maintenance access
Guidance About Flexible Track and Underfloor Drives
Flexible track 2205 should be shortened cleanly using suitable tools and connected using 7595 contact clips. Drive 75491 can be installed with underfloor conversion set 7548 beneath a layout board measuring 8 to 25 millimetres thick.
Answers About Flexible Track, Geometry and Turnouts
Frequently Asked Questions About Märklin H0 K Track
The following answers provide guidance about the roadbed, centre conductor, flexible track, radii, transitions, turnout drives and digital operation.
What does Märklin K Track mean?
K Track is an H0 centre-conductor track system with full-profile rails and finely engraved sleepers without an integrated ballast roadbed.
What track gauge does K Track use?
The model track gauge is 16.5 millimetres. H0 gauge uses a scale of 1:87.
Is Märklin K Track suitable for digital operation?
Yes. The track can be operated with analogue control or Märklin Digital. The power feed must suit the control system being used.
Does K Track include an integrated roadbed?
No. Sound insulation, the ballast bed and trackside detailing are constructed separately when the layout is built.
How long is Märklin flexible track 2205?
The flexible track is 900 millimetres long and can be used for individual radii, transition curves and special lengths.
How is the flexible track cut?
The rail profiles and centre conductor are shortened cleanly using suitable tools. Appropriate contact and connecting clips are fitted at the cut joint.
Which fixed radii are available?
The system geometry includes radii of 295.4, 360, 424.6, 553.9 and 618.5 millimetres. Slender turnouts have a radius of 902.4 millimetres.
Is industrial curve 2210 suitable for every vehicle?
No. Its radius of 295.4 millimetres is very compact. The minimum radius of the relevant vehicle must be checked beforehand.
How long is standard straight 2200?
Product 2200 is 180 millimetres long. Shorter and longer straights supplement the geometry.
How is K Track connected to M Track?
Transition track 2291 is intended to connect K Track to the earlier Märklin M Track.
How is K Track connected to C Track?
The transition is created using C Track product 24922, which provides the geometric and electrical connection to K Track.
Is connection track 2292 suitable for digital operation?
According to the supplied source text, this track contains a suppression capacitor and is not intended for digital or Delta operation.
What is contact track 2299 used for?
The vehicle pickup shoe creates a momentary contact that can trigger signals, turnouts or other electrical functions.
Which turnouts are particularly prototypical?
Slender turnouts 22715 and 22716 have a radius of 902.4 millimetres and a diverging angle of 14 degrees 26 minutes.
Can manual turnouts be converted to electric operation?
Suitable K Track turnouts can be equipped with electric turnout drive 75491.
Can the turnout drive be installed out of sight?
Yes. Underfloor conversion set 7548 permits installation beneath the layout board.
Continue Planning and Select Matching Components
Related Topics for Your Märklin H0 Layout
Märklin Manufacturer Range
Discover locomotives, coaches, digital technology and accessories.
Straight, Curved and Flexible Track
Compare further track systems, radii and flexible track.
Turnouts and Crossings
Select left-, right-, curved and three-way turnouts.
Track Sets
Discover complete track packages for planned layouts.
Track Accessories
Add drives, electrics, joiners and ballast.
Compare Track Systems
Understand K Track, C Track and further systems.
Plan a Model Railway
Define the area, radii, station and electrics.
Model Railway Guide
Read basic guidance about track construction, electrics and design.
From Flexible Track to a Prototypically Ballasted H0 Layout
Plan radii, turnouts, the substructure, power feeds and maintenance access together before K Track is fixed and ballasted permanently.