Building Track the Smart Way: Using Flat Steel Bar with PNP Railways Bar Rail Chairs & Plastic Sleepers

When it comes to building a miniature railway, one of the most significant decisions you will make is the type of rail to use. The rail you choose affects not only how your track performs, but also how it looks, how much it costs, and how easy it is to maintain.

At PNP Railways, we know that every builder has different priorities. Some want ultimate realism; others wish for something practical, affordable, and reliable. That is where flat steel bar used with our PNP Railways Bar Rail Chairs comes into its own.

Why Consider Flat Steel Bar?

Flat steel bar (sometimes called bar rail) is precisely what it sounds like, a solid, rectangular strip of steel that forms the running surface of your track. It is typically available in 10mm x 20mm or 12mm x 30mm black mild steel, both of which are fully compatible with our PNP Railways Bar Rail Chairs.

For many model engineers, especially those laying longer lengths of track or building club lines, cost is a key factor. Flat bar is significantly cheaper than profile rail and, when paired with the correct fixings, still provides excellent strength and stability.

The PNP Railways Bar Rail Chair

Our Bar Rail Chair is explicitly designed for use with flat steel bar and made from high-quality engineering plastic for maximum strength and durability. Each chair attaches with just two screws, making it quick and straightforward to fit.

The design allows it to mount directly onto any PNP plastic sleeper, as well as wooden or recycled plastic sleepers, giving you complete flexibility in your layout.

To install, push the steel bar into the tapered chair and screw it down. As you tighten the screws, the taper grips the bar firmly, locking it securely in place and ensuring a stable, safe track.

When used with PNP plastic sleepers, the system even provides automatic gauge widening, helping you achieve smooth and consistent curves with less effort.

Pros and Cons of Flat Steel Bar

Pros:

• Affordable: Flat bar is far more cost-effective than profile rail, perfect for larger layouts or club projects.

• Flexible: Easy to bend and shape for gentle curves.

• Simple to install: When used with the PNP Bar Rail Chair, installation is quick, tidy, and secure.

  
  

Cons:

• Less prototypical: Flat bar lacks the detailed appearance of full-size rail profiles.

• Slightly less stable: On tighter curves, it may need extra attention to achieve maximum stability.

  
  

Is Bar Rail Right for You?

If you value realism above all else, profile rail will always look closer to the real thing. But if you want something practical, durable, and budget-friendly, flat steel bar with the PNP Railways Bar Rail Chair is a superb alternative.

This proven combination has been used by model engineers across the UK for years, offering strong, reliable, and easy-to-lay track without breaking the bank.

Build Better Track with PNP Railways

Whether you are constructing a small garden line or a large club track, PNP Railways Bar Rail Chairs and Plastic Sleepers make building and maintaining your railway straightforward and dependable.

Want to see for yourself? Email us to Request a free sample today and discover just how strong, simple, and cost-effective this system can be.