Setting Up Three-Rail Model Railroad Track

You need to identify what kind of track your train set has.

If your track has three rails like either of the two track pieces on the left,continue reading here.

If your track has two rails like either piece on the right, then you need to read the guide that covers two-rail track.

Note: If you are using a Marklin System HO/AC powered set from Germany, the system is more like American three-rail systems than two-rail DC sets. The three-rail instructions will be more applicable, but pay close attention to the documentation that came with the set.