Most Hornby train sets come with Track Packs A and B, with a further three Track Packs available that will fully extend your TrakMat layout: Track Pack C - adds a second oval, crossover, siding and level crossing Track Pack D - adds a third running oval and level crossing extension Track Pack E - adds three sidings to complete the TrakMat layout. The TrakMat layout also gives you space to add a variety of buildings, which are available in three TrakMat accessory packs: Pack 1 contains an engine shed, signal box and railway cottage Pack 2 contains a country station and railway cottage Pack 3 contains a water tower, good shed, footbridge and trackside fencing. There are more than 20 different pieces of track in the Hornby range, each with their own unique use, so knowing where to start can be a daunting experience! If you have already used HVR2 to design your layout, the shopping list will tell you exactly what track pieces you require. For inspiration, the Track Plans book gives plenty of track plan ideas and also helps you through the layout building process. Another way to make a shopping list is to draw a 1/4 scale plan of your layout, and use Hornby's 1/4 scale track planner sections, which you can lay over your drawing to find out which track pieces and points you will require. During the planning process, you will have to take into consideration the how big your curves will be - these are described as radii. Hornby set track pieces come in three radii - first, second and third. This can be demonstrated quite simply: draw a circle so that the distance from the centre of the circle to the edge is 371mm lay a circle of track around this line, ensuring the centre of the track follows the line. The curve of the track is known as a 'first radius curve'. Now repeat the above steps, but make the distance from the centre of the circle to the edge 438mm and 505mm. The curves here are known as second radius (438mm) and third radius curves (505mm). When fixing track to your baseboard, use underlay as well. This fits under the track to simulate a full-size ballast track bed. It also damps out vibrations, as trains will run more quietly and reduce the chance of 'wheel bounce' to spoil performance. Underlay can be cut to size with scissors, and extra sections can be added for laying under points. When laying track, you will need metal joiners, called fishplates, to attach the track pieces together (these are already attached to Hornby set track pieces), and track pins to attach the track to the baseboard and underlay. It is important not to knock the pins in too deep otherwise they could be difficult to remove when moving track in the future.

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