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How to Lay Out a Lionel Tubular Track

Lionel tubular track is the traditional track form used by many Lionel train sets. Installing tubular track is fairly easy and does not require a great deal of electrical know-how. Tubular track pieces are often less expensive than some of the newer Lionel track forms. However, care should be taken to ensure that the tubular track pieces are accessible, for periodic cleaning. Sample track layout can reveal how to put down tubular track.

Things You'll Need

6 Lionel right-curved tubular track
6 Lionel left-curved tubular track
5 Lionel straight tubular track
1 Lionel straight feeder tubular track
Transformer
3' X 5' board

Instructions

- 1
  Place each tubular track piece on the board. Arrange the track pieces in an oval. Next place the transformer near the feeder track.
- 2
  Carefully connect each track piece to the adjacent track. Review each track connection to ensure a snug fit.
- 3
  Connect the transformer wires to the transformer and the feeder track.
- 4
  Run the cardboard piece over the track pieces. Notice any bumps or snags with the cardboard. Take apart any track pieces with poor connections. Reconnect the track pieces. Run the cardboard piece over the track pieces again to ensure a better fit.
- 5
  Place the engine on the track. Ensure the engine's wheels are on the rails. Turn on the transformer. Slowly run the train engine forward around the track. Take apart any track pieces that come apart or cause the engine to spark. Reconnect the track pieces. Test the the track layout twice to ensure proper operation.

Model Railroads