Track choices
Sectional track is easy for beginners and fixed geometry simplifies planning. Flex track allows smoother flowing curves and custom alignment but requires more cutting and fitting. Roadbed-equipped track can speed construction.
Curve radius
Long locomotives and passenger cars generally look and operate better on broader curves. A manufacturer's minimum radius is a limit, not necessarily the ideal design radius.
Turnouts
Turnouts let trains move between routes. Install them carefully, keep points and frogs clean, and make sure nearby track is aligned smoothly.
Grades
Even a small grade increases the effort required to pull a train. Long trains and small locomotives may struggle on grades that look modest. Vertical transitions should be gradual so cars do not uncouple or bottom out.
Reliability Checklist
Run your longest locomotive and longest car through every curve and turnout in both directions before fastening track permanently.
Kinks, abrupt grade changes and poorly aligned rail joints cause far more frustration than a simple track plan ever will.