How do you connect modules together? - Model Railroader Magazine

I generally like the C-clamp method of holding sections together. It's elegantly simple, and they don't require tools. My last layout was sectional on standard 2x4 modules, and that's how I held the entire 12x22 thing together.

As for connecting track together, I've used two methods. On my Ntrak club, we use a standard piece of Atlas straight track. A local HO modular club does the same thing. It works well (trains actually do run) but it's not perfect. Generally, the track sections like to bow upwards because one section has been overtightened, and the tolerances have been made overtight (because no one likes gaps). There's also the possibility of having a longish section of track that's not hardwired to the power buss, meaning a train could stall out completely on the main.

I opted for another method for my last layout. I laid track right over sections, to ensure a smooth track profile and proper alignment. I then cut 2" out of the rails at each module gap, and sanded down the ties. I then added a new section of loose rail to each gap with rail joiners on each end. I likes the look of these short sections better, they flowed into the overall look of the layout well, and they didn't bow. And if they were to become electrically dead, chances were that an engine's flywheel would kick it to the next powered section.