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How to Cut HO Train Track

Is the length of your HO track keeping you from completing your scenery design? Find out how to cut your HO track easily and cleanly. Knowing how to properly cut track allows you to customize your tracks to your exact requirements, as you will no longer be bound to the pre-designed track pieces sold by the distributor. The most important thing when cutting track is to make quick, clean and square cuts so that your model trains do not derail when place on the tracks.

Things You'll Need

HO track
Track cutters
Safety goggles
Hard table surface

Instructions

- 1
  Plan out your design and measure out the track length that you will need in order to complete it. Write out your measurements and double-check for any accidental measuring errors.
- 2
  Purchase or borrow a track cutter designed especially for cutting model train tracks such as the HO track. These are sold at hobby stores as well as by various online vendors.
- 3
  Collect the tracks that you want to cut and mark the place you want to cut on both sides with a pencil or marker. Place the tracks on a stable surface and put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying pieces that might become air bound during cutting.
- 4
  Pick up the track cutter and make a clean cut in the track. The blades of the track cutter should optimally be positioned on both the top and bottom of the rail in order to get the cleanest cut.
- 5
  Hold the cut tracks together to ensure that they are even. If you are not sure, do a test run with a model train on them to be check for a precise cut before you fasten them down securely onto your track.

Model Railroads