Base, Rerailer and Cleaning
These additions protect the vehicles, simplify handling and support reliable operation from the first day.
Set up safely, keep the track clean and expand with a purpose
What Else Do You Need with a Model Railway Starter Set?
A complete starter set already includes the train, track, control equipment and power supply. This guide shows which additions are useful immediately, which track expansion should come next and which tools, digital equipment and scenery can wait.
The short shopping list
Very Little Is Needed for the First Train Run
A locomotive, coaches or wagons, track, control equipment and a power supply are normally already included in a complete model railway starter set . Additional technology should only be purchased when there is a specific operational or construction requirement.
Set Up Safely, Run Reliably and Expand Deliberately
The answer depends on whether the railway will be assembled temporarily on a table or developed into a permanent layout. A temporary circuit mainly needs a level base, sufficient distance from the table edge and safe storage for vehicles, cables and small components.
A rerailer helps place every wheel correctly on the rails. This is particularly useful in N and Z gauges and for long coaches. Suitable track-cleaning equipment should also be part of the early basic equipment because dirty railheads can impair electrical contact.
The most useful first operational expansion is usually a turnout, siding and buffer stop. A wagon can then be stored, a freight customer served or a train passed. These parts must belong to the exact track system supplied in the starter set.
A permanent layout later requires a substructure, additional power feeds, cables, tools, buildings and scenery materials. None of these are necessary for the first day. Complete extensive test runs before securing or ballasting the track.
Turnout, Siding and Buffer Stop
An additional operational route normally creates more value than another locomotive on the unchanged oval.
Tools, Substructure and Scenery
These product groups are needed only when the temporary circuit is developed into a permanent miniature world.
Interactive priority guide
Which Addition Should Be Purchased Next?
The finder considers the exact track system, type of setup, desired activity, current project stage and the main users of the railway.
Necessary, useful or only needed later
The Accessory Checklist by Project Stage
Not every addition is required immediately. The correct order keeps the first setup clear and helps prevent technically unsuitable purchases.
| Addition | When Is It Needed? | Practical Benefit | What Should Be Checked? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable setup surface | Immediately | Protects track and vehicles from impacts, fibres and falls. | Level, dry, clean and larger than the complete track figure. |
| Rerailer | Useful immediately | Places every wheel correctly and gently on the rails. | Select the correct model for the gauge. |
| Track and wheel cleaning | From the beginning | Reduces contact problems and irregular running. | Use only suitable model railway maintenance products. |
| Turnout and siding | First expansion | Permits shunting, storage and additional routes. | Same track system, roadbed, geometry and conductor system. |
| Additional power feed | When the route becomes longer | Improves the voltage supply to more distant track sections. | Observe the manufacturer's instructions, polarity and conductor system. |
| Additional coach or wagon | After adding the siding | Creates train formation, loading and shunting tasks. | Gauge, coupling, minimum radius and total train length. |
| Substructure and trackbed | Permanent layout | Creates a level, stable route that can be landscaped. | Build only after the track plan has been fully tested. |
| Tools | Before kits and wiring | Permits clean cutting, filing, assembly and electrical work. | Knives and soldering tools must be used safely and appropriately for the user's age. |
| Buildings and scenery | After extensive testing | Turns the track setup into a believable miniature world. | Keep turnouts, wiring and hidden track accessible. |
| Further digital technology | For a defined function | Expands multi-train operation, turnout control and feedback. | Match the protocol, command station, decoder and power demand. |
A turnout changes operation more than a second locomotive:
a siding allows the existing train to deliver, collect or reposition
wagons. Another locomotive on an unchanged oval initially expands only
the vehicle collection.
Select accessories according to model size
Which Additions Are Particularly Useful for Each Gauge?
The basic principles apply to every nominal size. Handling, cleaning, substructure, electrical requirements and space requirements nevertheless differ considerably.
| Gauge and Variants | Typical Scale | Particularly Useful Addition | Important When Expanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z and Zm | 1:220 | Rerailer, good lighting and fine cleaning equipment. | Use only exactly matching Z-gauge track and connectors. |
| N, Nm, Ne and Nf | 1:160 | Rerailer, maintenance equipment and a small turnout expansion. | Commit to one specific N-gauge track system. |
| TT, TTm, TTe and TTf | 1:120 | Track plan, turnout, siding and track-cleaning block. | Do not mix roadbed track and conventional model track without checking the transition. |
| H0, H0m, H0e and H0f | 1:87 | Rerailer, track set, tools and scenery materials. | Distinguish between centre-contact, two-rail and narrow-gauge systems. |
| 00 and S | Approximately 1:76 and 1:64 | Country- and manufacturer-specific connectors and couplings. | Check the power supply, rail profile and vehicle standard. |
| 0, 0m, 0e and 0f | Usually 1:45 | Stable substructure, generous curves and uncoupling equipment. | Consider the weight and length of the vehicles. |
| 1, 1m, 1e and 1f | 1:32 | Load-bearing route, secure storage and a powerful supply. | Plan for large radii and high vehicle weights. |
| II, IIm/G, IIe and IIf | 1:22.5 | Robust connectors, outdoor cleaning and a weather-resistant base. | Plan drainage and a safe outdoor power supply. |
| III, V, VII, X and specialist sizes | Depends on the system | Project-specific tools, structural equipment and safety systems. | Check manufacturer and operating standards individually. |
From the starter set to a small layout
Expand Sensibly in Eight Steps
Every stage should provide a visible or operational benefit before the next purchase is made.
Check the Package Contents
Assign the train, track, connection equipment, controller and power supply correctly and check that everything is complete.
Prepare the Setup Surface
Select a level area with sufficient distance between the track and every exposed edge.
Place the Vehicles Carefully
Use a rerailer and check that every wheelset is correctly positioned on both rails.
Test the Basic Circuit
Test several directions and speeds before adding scenery or securing the track.
Add a Siding
Select a system-compatible turnout, straight sections and a buffer stop.
Check the Power Supply
When the route becomes longer, add further power feeds in accordance with the system instructions.
Plan the Permanent Substructure
Only now should the baseboard, trackbed and cable routes be defined.
Begin the Scenery
Complete one small, thoroughly tested and fully accessible section first.
Avoid unnecessary expenditure
Typical Purchasing Mistakes After a Starter Set
Most problems are not caused by missing accessories. They result from expanding too early or selecting technically incompatible parts.
Buying Incompatible Track
The same gauge does not guarantee matching geometry, connections, roadbed or current collection.
A Second Locomotive Before the First Turnout
More vehicles create few new tasks when there is no additional route, station track or siding.
Securing the Track Immediately
Faulty joints become difficult to correct after screwing, gluing and ballasting.
Closing the Scenery Too Early
Turnouts, cables and hidden track must remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.
Using Aggressive Cleaning Products
Unsuitable chemicals can damage plastic, traction tyres, paint and other surfaces.
Buying Too Many Accessories at Once
Structured expansion according to a defined task remains less expensive and easier to understand.
Buying Tools Without a Project
Knives, soldering tools and specialist equipment are required only when the corresponding construction work begins.
Oversizing the Digital System
The controller supplied with the starter set is often sufficient for the first expansion stages.
Arranged by practical purpose
Useful Products for Operation, Track Expansion and Scenery
These examples serve different tasks. Before buying, always check the gauge, exact track system, package contents and age information of the individual product.
Rerailing and Track Maintenance
Rerailers protect delicate vehicles. A suitable cleaning block is one of the few additions that is already useful during the first operating sessions.
Useful from the first day
Vehicle Handling · H0
Roco 42606 Rerailer
Guides locomotive and wagon wheels safely onto common H0 track and simplifies frequent placement and removal.
View Product Details →
Particularly useful in N gauge
Vehicle Handling · N Gauge
Fleischmann 9480 Rerailer
Supports the correct placement of delicate N-gauge locomotives, coaches and wagons.
View Product Details →
Useful from the first operating sessions
Track Cleaning · Multiple Gauges
Roco 10002 Roco-Rubber
Manual cleaning block for removing dirt and oil residue from the railheads.
View Product Details →Track Expansions for More Operation
Every set belongs to a particular track system. Select only an expansion that matches the track supplied in the starter set.
First operational expansion
PIKO A-Track · H0 Two-Rail
PIKO 55310 A-Track Set B
A turnout, straight sections and buffer stop create an initial siding for shunting and loading tasks.
View Product Details →
Expansion for suitable C Track starter sets
Märklin C Track · H0 Centre-Contact
Märklin 24905 C Track Pack C5
Turnouts, straight track and buffer stops add storage and shunting areas to a compatible C Track layout.
View Product Details →
Station and shunting expansion
ROCO LINE · H0 Two-Rail · Roadbed
Roco 42023 ROCO LINE Track Set E
Turnouts, uncoupling track and buffer stops expand a suitable ROCO LINE circuit with station and shunting areas.
View Product Details →Tools and Scenery for Later Layout Construction
These products are required only after the track plan has been tested and permanent buildings or scenery are ready to be built.
For later kit and layout construction
Tools · Multiple Gauges
FALLER 170560 Modelling Tool Set
Side cutter, knife, deburrer, file and cutting mat form a compact basis for model and building-kit construction.
View Product Details →
Small scenery trial
Scenery · Material Samples
NOCH 60803 Mini Scenery Starter Set
Grass mat, scatter material, decorative moss and cork rock permit initial scenery tests away from the layout.
View Product Details →
Permanent layout construction
H0 · Terrain and Scenery
NOCH 60804 Layout Construction Set
A coordinated introduction to permanent terrain and scenery after the track and technical system are established.
View Product Details →
Remain within the same track system
Manufacturers for Expansion, Maintenance and Scenery
The exact system designation is more important than the brand name alone when expanding the track. Scenery, tools and many universal accessories can often be used across manufacturers.
Answers after the first setup
Frequently Asked Questions About Starter-Set Accessories
These answers cover basic equipment, track expansion, cleaning, additional vehicles and the transition to a permanent layout.
What Do You Need in Addition to a Starter Set?
For the first train runs, usually only a stable base, sufficient distance from the edge, a matching rerailer and suitable cleaning equipment are needed. A turnout with a siding is the most useful first operational expansion.
Does a Starter Set Already Include a Transformer or Power Supply?
A complete starter set normally includes the control equipment and power supply. Check the package contents because a train pack without track and a controller is not the same as a starter set.
Which Additional Track Can Be Purchased?
Buy track from the same system as the starter set. Gauge alone is not sufficient. Roadbed, rail profile, connectors, geometry and, in H0, the conductor system must match.
What Should Be Added First After the Track Oval?
One turnout, several straight sections and a buffer stop form a siding. This creates shunting tasks and considerably more varied operation.
Is a Second Locomotive Needed Immediately?
No. A second locomotive is most useful when a siding, station or digital multi-train operation is available. Without additional routes, its practical benefit remains limited.
Does a Digital Starter Set Need a Larger Command Station?
The supplied controller is often sufficient for the initial circuit and several first locomotives. A larger command station becomes relevant when many turnouts, feedback modules or automated routes are required.
Why Is a Rerailer Useful?
It guides every wheelset correctly onto the rails and protects delicate running gear, couplings and separately fitted details. It makes daily handling considerably easier in N and Z gauges.
How Should Starter-Set Track Be Cleaned?
Remove loose dust carefully and use suitable model railway cleaning products on the railheads. Aggressive household cleaners and excessive oil must not be applied to the track.
Does Track with an Integrated Roadbed Still Need Cork?
Normally not for a temporary setup. On a permanent layout, an additional layer can provide sound insulation or height adjustment. Test the construction before adding ballast.
When Should Buildings and Scenery Be Purchased?
Buy them after the track plan, turnouts and power supply have passed extensive test runs. Begin with a small station area instead of constructing the complete landscape at once.
Which Tools Does a Beginner Need?
Building kits initially require a side cutter, craft knife, file, tweezers and cutting mat. Soldering tools and electrical measuring equipment are needed only for wiring or conversions.
Can Accessories from Different Manufacturers Be Combined?
Universal tools, scenery materials and figures often can. Track, turnout drives, electrical connections, wheelsets and digital technology must be checked technically before combining.
Expand Deliberately Instead of Buying Accessories at Random
Explore starter sets, gauges, track systems, layout planning, digital technology, scenery and maintenance in the central model railway guide.
Editorially reviewed and updated on 30 July 2026. The package contents, product safety information and technical details on the individual product page remain decisive.