Model Railroader basic training: How to cut rails

Learn this fundamental model railroading technique

Published: September 21, 2012

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When building your model railroad, you may have times when you need to cut track to fit in a certain space. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will show you how to easily cut track in this basic training video.

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November 2012

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JOHN BARLOW from OHIO said:

I started my HO model in early fall of 2012. Trying to build a model layout without expert advice of MR is like building a house without a blueprint . It can be done , but it's not easy !

Submitted: 2/3/2013 10:33:16 AM (CST)

JOHN SILBER from NEW JERSEY said:

Love every bit of information I can get, I have cut lots of track but never thought to use a miter-box
. Thanks Cody ^_^

Submitted: 12/31/2012 8:53:36 AM (CST)

ROBERT FARRELL from TENNESSEE said:

I use the flush cutting nippers as well. I find the Dremel cutoff wheel is hard to get a right angle cut, mine are always at some odd angle as I can't get the motor body parallel with the track. I am referring to cuttng on the layout though, not at the bench.

Submitted: 10/14/2012 11:02:04 AM (CST)

RALPH BERRY from AUSTRALIA (TAS) said:

I much prefer the razor saw for accurate cutting, especially when fitting points, the Dremel tool cuts well but the cleanup afterwards is a pain.

Submitted: 10/14/2012 6:57:59 AM (CST)

SANDUS ORIO from NEW JERSEY said:

Cutting track was very well done by, Cody including wearing eye protection when using the Nippers for cuts, another great installment for modelers. your information pages are of great help keep it up

Submitted: 10/13/2012 5:42:34 PM (CST)