PNP Railways Buying Guide to Track Work in 3½", 5", 7¼" & 10¼" Gauge

We produce track for the following gauges.

• 3½" Gauge

• 5" & 3½" Dual Gauge

• 5" Gauge

• 5" True Scale

• 7¼" Gauge

• 7¼" & 5" Dual Gauge

• 10¼" Gauge

The gauge is the distance between the rails. Full size standard scale is 4ft 8½" or 1,435 mm. Standard gauge is the generally accepted gauge as it allows many locomotives and rolling stock to run on the same lines. The first standard gauge railways were created in Britain during the 1830's.

Why are standard gauge railways 4ft 8½” wide? The reasons are not clear. Some say that the width represents the width of a Roman chariot, while others suggest that it may be the usual width of a horse-drawn carriage. Whatever the reasons, the gauge stuck: today, about 55% of train lines around the world are built to standard gauge.

Additionally, narrow gauge railways are characterized by tracks that are spaced closer together than standard gauge railways. This closer spacing results in a narrower gauge. The term "narrow gauge" is specifically used to describe railways with tracks that have a reduced width, allowing for more compact and agile operations.

We use the term narrow gauge to describe rolling stock and locomotives which are running on the same gauge as standard scale but are built to a larger scale and are usually from an industrial heritage.

PNP Railways Display Track Kits - the perfect solution for exhibiting your finished model or standing your loco on while building. Our cost-effective track kits provide an authentic display track system that mimics the appearance of full-size railway components.

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No need to work out what components you need; we have done it for you. The kit contains the correct amount of parts to build either a 4ft (1.25m) or 8ft (2.5m) length of track. All you need to do is decide on the number of kits required and which rail fitting you prefer.

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Our track kits come complete with sleepers that have a wood grain effect to ensure an authentic look. The sleepers are also pre-drilled with pilot holes, making them ready to use straight out of the box.

To enhance the overall look of your display, our track kits can be mounted on a plinth with ballast. We recommend using 8mm Limestone chippings, which are readily available from your local DIY store or builders merchant.

When selecting rail for your miniature railway project, consider factors such as weight distribution, wheel configuration, and overall load that the rail will need to bear. Match the rail type to the weight requirements of your locomotive to ensure safe and reliable operation.

The following are compatible with our track system.

Profile Rail

16mm (5/8”x 5/8”) Flat Bottom Aluminium Rail

21mm (2lb/yard) Flat Bottom Aluminium or Steel Rail

5.2lb/yard Flat Bottom Steel Rail

Bar Rail - available from your local steel stockist

10mm x 20mm Black Mild Steel Bar

12mm x 30mm Black Mild Steel Bar

Here is a brief overview of each sleeper in the standard scale range.

• 3½" Gauge Sleeper - Over scale, but still in keeping for standard scale engines. The sleepers are suitable for narrow gauge, ground level tracks (if your balance is ok) or raised level tracks.

• 5" True Scale Sleeper - Designed for standard gauge rolling stock and locomotives. Suitable for both ground and raised level tracks.

• 5", 5" & 3½" Gauge Sleeper - Over scale sleeper designed for stability when passenger hauling. It is ideal for both standard and narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

• 7¼", 7¼" & 5" Gauge Sleeper - Over scale sleeper designed for stability when passenger hauling. It is ideal for both standard and narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

• 7¼", 7¼" & 5" Narrow Gauge Sleeper - Heavy-duty sleeper, specifically designed to support the weight of larger locomotives and rolling stock in 7¼" narrow gauge or 7¼" & 5" narrow gauge. Ideal for well used club tracks and private railways.

Apart from being very easy to assemble. If using the plastic sleepers and chairs together, automatic gauge widening is achievable. Each rail chair in the range will allow automatic gauge widening. For ease of explanation, we will use the ‘Screw Fit’ Chair as our example.

The rail chair comes in two pieces. A chair and a spacer. The spacer has a spigot and two arrows on it. The spigot is used to locate the chair into the sleeper. The spigot is off set, so placing the chairs on the sleepers with the arrows facing in will set the gauge.

To achieve gauge widening on corners, one chair is turned to achieve a 1/32nd widening. To achieve 1/16th widening turn both chairs 180º

To achieve gauge widening on corners, one chair is turned to achieve a 1/32nd widening. To achieve 1/16th widening turn both chairs 180º

The sleepers and rail chairs are plastic injection moulded from virgin engineering polymers.

The sleepers have a wood grain finish to give them a realistic appearance. Together with the two-tone colouring of the rail chairs this gives a rusty/weathered look.

The sleepers are not solid. They have a hollow ribbed underside that will allow the ballast to enter, creating a very stable base to run on, limiting the amount of track movement.

Durability is a hallmark of our sleepers and chairs

All plastic sleepers and rail fixings in the PNP Railways range are manufactured from high-grade engineering polymers that are extremely durable and resistant to rot, frost, and UV radiation. UV stabilizers are added to the base polymers to help prevent UV radiation degradation and extend the life of the products.

We guarantee longevity and hassle-free maintenance. You can rest assured that your railway will withstand the test of time, even in challenging environments.

As with wooden sleepers the fire should only be dropped in the appropriate place. Should hot coals drop onto the track they will mark but should not burn.

The track panels are very easy to assemble. No tools required apart from a screw driver if using the ‘Screw Fit’ chairs.

For 16mm (5/8" x 5/8") Flat Bottom Aluminium Rail or 21mm (2lb/yard) Flat Bottom Steel or Aluminium Rail

PNP Railways offers two types of rail chairs for securing the rail to the sleeper: the 'Screw Fit' chair and the 'Clip Fit' chair. The choice between these two options ultimately depends on personal preference.

The 'Screw Fit' chair is a generic rail chair that requires screws to attach it securely to the sleeper. This type of chair offers a reliable and sturdy connection between the rail and the sleeper, ensuring stability and minimizing the risk of movement or slippage.

On the other hand, the 'Clip Fit' chair is PNP Railways' own design. This chair is designed to be easily installed by pushing it directly into the sleeper. It provides a convenient and efficient attachment method without the need for screws. The 'Clip Fit' chair still offers a secure and dependable connection between the rail and the sleeper.

Ultimately, whether you choose the 'Screw Fit' chair or the 'Clip Fit' chair depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your miniature railway project.

For Black Mild Steel Bar - 10mm x 20mm or 12mm x 30mm

If you have opted to use black mild steel bar as rail, it is essential to choose appropriate rail fixings that are specifically designed to grip and secure the rail in place. In this case, PNP Railways offers specialised rail chairs that provide a reliable and secure attachment for bar rail.

These rail chairs have a hollowed back to ensure a tight grip on the rail when the fastenings are tightened, preventing any movement or slippage.

For 5.2lb/Yard Flat Bottom Steel Rail

The 'Surrey Chairs' are versatile and can be used with both wooden and recycled plastic sleepers. However, for the ultimate performance, we recommend using them together with the PNP Railways 7¼" or 7¼" & 5" Gauge Sleepers as part of the complete 'Surrey Track System'

For other profile rail

PNP Railways offer 3 types of Sole Plates & 3 types of Rail clips.

Sole Plate with 3 degree Cant

A rail sole plate with a 3-degree cant (or inclination) is used in to provide a specific alignment and geometry for the rail. The primary purpose of introducing a cant is to create a superelevation or banking effect on the track, which helps to counteract the centrifugal forces that occur when a train negotiates a curve.

The PNP Railways sole plate with 3 degree cant will enable the rail to match the angle of the wheel coning on the wheels of locomotives and rolling stock in 7¼" and 10¼" gauge. The angle should improve running by minimizing flange contact (squealing) and hunting (side to side movement).

Raised Sole Plate

The PNP Railways Raised Panel Sole Plate offers a superior solution for accommodating thinner foot profile rails. With its innovative design, this sole plate effectively prevents the clips from tipping at an adverse angle, ensuring a secure and stable rail installation.

Standard Sole Plate

Designed for precision and stability, the PNP Railways Standard Sole Plate features a flat base that allows the rail to sit perfectly flat. This crucial component ensures optimal contact between the rail and the sole plate, promoting a smooth and reliable railway system.

Rail Clips

The PNP Railways Rail Clips are available in three sizes: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm (clamping area). Manufactured from an exceptionally resilient polymer, these rail clips are well-suited to bear the loads imposed by the fastening screws. They can be used independently or in conjunction with a sole plate.

Below, we provide the recommended sleeper spacings to guide you in your calculations.

3½" Gauge - 70mm Centres

5” or 5" & 3½" Dual Gauge - 80mm Centres

5" True Scale - 100mm Centres

7¼" or 7¼" & 5" Dual Gauge - 166mm Centres

7¼" Narrow Gauge Sleepers - 200mm - 300mm Centres

If you require assistance in determining the quantity of sleepers, chairs, and rail needed for your project, we are here to help. Please email enquiries@pnplastics.co.uk with your requirements.

Hardwood points are available for 5” and 7¼" and dual gauge in 10ft, 20ft or 30ft radius, either as a kit or fully assembled. The points can be built either left or right hand and are fitted with a simple point change mechanism. The sleepers in the point kit are wooden as they are of various lengths.

A separate point lever kit is available which will allow the point to remain trailable.

The rail is not pre-drilled, it is easy enough to drill using a fish plate as a template.

We offer two types of fish plates, light duty and heavy duty. Both suit 5/8” x 5/8” and 2lb yard profile rail. It is down to personal preference and what you will be running on your track.

If using profiled rail 5/8” x 5/8” (16mm High) or 2lb Yard (21mm High) this can be bent using a rail bender. If using bar rail this can be bent using two garden forks or stakes.

Two of the rail chairs in the PNP Railways range are suitable for use with wooden or recycled sleepers, the ‘Screw Fit’ and Bar Rail Chair.

The 'Screw Fit Chair - is suitable for both 16mm (5/8" x 5/8") & 21mm (2lb/yard) Flat Bottom Rail.

The 'Bar Rail Chair - Is suitable for 10mm x 20mm & 12mm x 30mm black mild steel bar.

Bar rail does have some advantages over prototypical shaped rail. It can cost less, due to local availability which will save on transport costs. The black mill scale finish helps make it resistant to corrosion. It does not need bending with rolls when creating curves and it welds easily. The disadvantages are not looking prototypical when used with standard scale stock. Should the sleepers on ground level track not be on a firm substrate it can move down the bar which has no foot.

We supply a kit to make a 5” Gauge buffer stop or if you would like to build your own you can purchase the lazer cuts for 5” & 7¼" separately.

If you've ever dreamt of creating your own miniature railway, we are here to help turn that dream into a reality. Building a miniature railway can be a rewarding and exciting project, but it requires careful planning and consideration. We have put together a comprehensive guide, to walk you through the essential steps and considerations to ensure the success of your project.

There are two differences between the chair for plastic sleepers and chairs for wooden sleepers. The underneath of the chair or spacer is flat and does not have the spigot which is used to locate the chair in the plastic sleeper. The screw holes are round, rather than obround. The obround hole in the chairs for plastics sleeper allow for gauge widening.

Automatic gauge widening is not possible with the chairs for wooden or recycled plastic sleepers.

Sample packs are available for each gauge. The pack consists of a sleeper and selection of rail fittings in your chosen gauge, the packs are free, but we ask for £5.00 towards postage and packing. If you are interested in receiving a pack please complete the sample request form and return it with your payment, alternatively you can pay for the postage via our on-line shop and email us your completed form.

PNP Railways also attend several exhibitions throughout the year. Please refer to our news page for details.