Your comprehensive guide to the track ranges from Märklin, Trix, Roco, PIKO, Fleischmann, Minitrix, Tillig, Kato, LGB and NOCH. Choose by gauge, track bed, electrical system or layout type and go straight to the relevant guide.
The logos take you to each manufacturer's page at Modellbahnshop. Alongside track, you will also find rolling stock, technical equipment and accessories from the brand.
Track forms the technical and visual foundation of every model railway. It determines the available radii, turnout connections, platform lengths, gradients and future extensions. Your decision should therefore consider more than appearance alone.
First, choose the scale and gauge. Then consider the electrical system, your preferred track geometry and whether you want an integrated ballast bed. Track with a built-in bed is particularly suitable for quick, stable assembly. Track without a bed allows more individual track alignments, custom ballast profiles and smooth transitions into the scenery.
Straight sections, curves, turnouts, crossings and accessories are generally easiest to combine within a single manufacturer's range. If you want to connect different systems, carefully check rail height, geometry, rail joiners, overall track height and the electrical system.
The scale and gauge comparison covers Z, N, TT, H0, H0e, H0m, 0, 1 and G, comparing their scales, track gauges, space requirements and typical uses.
H0 combines an extensive choice of rolling stock with clearly visible detail. Options include two-rail and centre-contact systems, with or without an integrated track bed.
Two-rail track with a ballast bed and secure plug-in connections for quick assembly and permanent layouts.
Explore Trix C Track
A ready-made track bed, realistic geometry and convenient assembly for two-rail layouts with changing track arrangements.
Explore Roco track with a bed
Custom ballasting and flexible track alignment for permanent layouts, modules and individually designed stations.
Explore the Roco track system
Robust two-rail track for quick assembly, straightforward geometry and simple extensions.
Explore PIKO track with a bed
For custom track beds, individual transitions into the scenery and traditional permanent two-rail layouts.
Explore PIKO A Track
Centre-contact track with an integrated ballast bed and durable connections for floor layouts, first layouts and extensions.
Explore Märklin C Track
Centre-contact track without a ready-made bed, offering flexible track and scope for custom ballast profiles and ambitious layout planning.
Explore Märklin K TrackTT takes up less space than H0 while still offering clearly visible detail. Choose between systems with a ready-made track bed and alternatives for custom scenery construction.
A track range without a ready-made bed for compact stations, long routes and individually ballasted TT layouts.
Explore Roco TT
A TT system with a ready-made track bed that is quick to lay, ideal for beginners, changing layouts and straightforward extensions.
Explore Tillig track with a bed
For realistic ballast profiles, custom radii, flexible track sections and carefully planned TT routes.
Explore Tillig TTSmaller scales allow long routes in limited space. H0e models narrow-gauge railways. Gauge 1 and G, by contrast, offer large rolling stock, prominent detail and an impressive presence.
Narrow-gauge track in H0 scale for branch lines, mountain routes, tight curves and operating locations full of character.
Explore Roco H0e
A compact N gauge system for long routes, stations with multiple tracks and varied operation in a small space.
Explore Minitrix
N gauge track with an integrated bed and precise plug-in connections for modular layouts and frequently changing track arrangements.
Explore Kato Unitrack
Proven N gauge track with a ready-made ballast bed for a neat, quick and stable layout build.
Explore Fleischmann track with a bed
For individually ballasted N gauge routes, carefully integrated scenery and an unobtrusive track appearance.
Explore Fleischmann N
Very compact track for small layouts, suitcase layouts, dioramas and long routes in limited space.
Explore Märklin Z
Large track for detailed rolling stock, impressive indoor layouts and striking train displays.
Explore Märklin Gauge 1
Robust 45 mm gauge track for garden railways, broad curves, outdoor routes and distinctive narrow-gauge trains.
Explore LGB trackTrack sets bring together compatible sections for a basic layout, an extension or a predefined track plan. They make getting started easier, but you still need to check space, radius and system compatibility.
Prepared trackbed solutions for a structured layout build with a clearly defined route.
Explore Easy-Track →
Coordinated track combinations for getting started, building a circle, adding a passing loop and extending your garden railway.
Explore LGB sets →
Track collections for robust 45 mm gauge routes and step-by-step garden railway planning.
Explore PIKO G sets →
Two-rail C Track for basic track plans, additional curves, passing loops and your first station areas.
Explore Trix sets →
Compatible collections for H0 two-rail layouts, route extensions and additional operating locations.
Explore Roco H0 sets →
C Track collections for getting started, extending your layout, adding shunting opportunities and creating more varied routes.
Explore Märklin sets →
A Track packs for a basic layout and planned extensions to a two-rail railway.
Explore PIKO H0 sets →
Compact collections for your first routes, oval extensions and additional turnout connections.
Explore Fleischmann sets →
Coordinated TT track for compact basic plans and carefully planned route extensions.
Explore Roco TT sets →
TT track combinations for getting started, adding routes and gradually expanding your track plan.
Explore Tillig sets →A complete track plan needs more than straights and curves. Turnouts create operating locations, sidings and passing opportunities. Joiners, feeder wires, point motors and other accessories provide the mechanical and electrical connections.
A straight track section for routes, station tracks and filling gaps in the track geometry.
View product details →
Straight two-rail track as the basis for individually ballasted H0 routes.
View product details →
Straight N gauge track with an integrated bed for modular track arrangements.
View product details →
Curved track for complete curves, track ovals and defined parallel radii.
View product details →The basic building blocks for routes, stations, hidden staging yards and custom track alignments.
For junctions, passing loops, shunting areas, sidings and varied operation.
Coordinated track combinations for basic layouts, extensions and new operating possibilities.
Joiners, feeders, point motors and tools for assembly and reliable operation.
The scale designation describes the model size, while the track gauge is the distance between the rails. Narrow-gauge variants use narrower track at the same model scale. The table shows the main sizes used in European railway modelling and links to relevant guides.
| Designation | Typical scale | Track gauge | Typical use | Related guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 1:220 | 6.5 mm | Very small layouts, suitcase layouts and long routes in a small space | Märklin Z |
| Nm | 1:160 | usually 6.5 mm | Narrow-gauge railways in N scale | Scale and gauge comparison |
| N | 1:160 | 9 mm | Long trains, large stations and compact layouts | N gauge track systems |
| TT | 1:120 | 12 mm | A balance between space requirements, train length and detail | TT track systems |
| H0f | 1:87 | 6.5 mm | Field railways, industrial railways and very tight routes | Scale and gauge comparison |
| H0e | 1:87 | 9 mm | Narrow-gauge, mountain and branch line railways | Roco H0e |
| H0m | 1:87 | 12 mm | Metre-gauge railways and Swiss mountain railways | Scale and gauge comparison |
| H0 | 1:87 | 16.5 mm | A wide choice of models and versatile layout building | H0 track systems |
| 0e | often 1:45 | often 16.5 mm | Large narrow-gauge models on layouts of a manageable size | Scale and gauge comparison |
| 0 | often 1:45 | 32 mm | Detailed rolling stock, modules and shunting layouts | Scale and gauge comparison |
| Gauge 1 | 1:32 | 45 mm | Large models, display layouts and broad curves | Märklin Gauge 1 |
| G / IIm | often 1:22.5 | 45 mm | Garden railways and large narrow-gauge rolling stock | LGB G gauge |
| Gauge II | 1:22.5 | 64 mm | Very large standard-gauge models and specialist projects | Scale and gauge comparison |
Other specialist variants, such as Nn3, H0n3, 0m and 1e, follow the same principle: the scale stays the same, while the model track gauge represents the narrower prototype track. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for compatibility between particular vehicles and track.
The best choice depends on your space, operating concept and technical requirements. Plan beyond the first oval to include stations, sidings, future turnouts and the longest vehicles you intend to run.
H0 offers a wide choice, TT saves space and N allows long trains. Z suits very small projects. Gauge 1 and G need considerably more room, but their detail makes a strong impression.
In H0, you need to distinguish between two-rail and centre-contact operation. Track, locomotives, wheelsets and current collection must suit the chosen system. Coaches and wagons can often be converted, but locomotives need the appropriate technical specification.
Track with a bed is quick to lay, holds its shape and is practical for changing layouts. Track without a bed offers more freedom with track height, ballast colour, embankments, transition curves and station approach design.
Check the available radii, long-radius turnouts, curved turnouts, flexible track, parallel track spacing and point motors. A suitable system should support both your first steps and the intended final layout.
These answers help you choose between scales, manufacturers, track beds and different types of layout.
Track with a bed and secure plug-in connections makes the first layout easier to assemble. The right scale, gauge and electrical system remain essential. For a permanent layout, track without a bed may also be a sensible choice from the start.
This is sometimes possible, but you need to check rail height, overall track height, geometry, rail joiners and the electrical system. Transition tracks or adapted joiners may help. Assembly is usually easier within a single system.
Track with a bed suits quick, tidy assembly and frequently changing layouts. Track without a bed offers greater creative freedom and a distinctive appearance when carefully ballasted. The best choice depends on how you intend to build your layout.
Both are H0 centre-contact systems. C Track has an integrated bed and robust connections. K Track is laid without a ready-made bed and suits permanently landscaped layouts with custom ballasting.
N and Z allow long routes in a small space. TT offers a balanced middle ground. A compact H0 shunting or branch line layout can also provide varied operation in limited space.
Rigid track beds with durable plug-in connections are particularly practical. They can be assembled and dismantled repeatedly and need no separate ballast bed. The surface underneath should be level and clean.
A track set combines several compatible sections for a basic track plan or an extension. Depending on the set, it may include straights, curves, turnouts or additional connecting pieces. Always refer to the individual set description.
Garden railways use robust 45 mm gauge systems such as track from LGB and PIKO. Allow for the foundation, drainage, electrical feeds, dirt and temperature-related expansion during planning.
Digital operation does not require fundamentally different track, but the electrical system, insulated sections, power feeds and feedback detection must suit the digital system. Clean contacts and an adequately rated power supply remain particularly important.
Repeatable module interfaces, reliable connectors and a precisely defined track position are essential. Track with a bed can speed up assembly; track without a bed allows particularly low-profile, realistic transitions.