A small mirror tile is an inexpensive but surprisingly powerful tool every model railroader should keep close at hand. While it may seem simple, a mirror can help you spot track problems that are often hard to see with the naked eye, especially once the layout is built and access becomes limited.

One of the best uses for a mirror is checking track alignment. By standing a small mirror on its edge directly on the track, you can examine the rails by looking at their reflection rather than trying to sight along them at track level. This reflected view exaggerates imperfections, making subtle kinks, dips, and uneven joints far easier-to-detect. Issues that look smooth when viewed normally often stand out clearly when seen in a mirror.

This technique also saves wear and tear on your body. Constantly bending down to rail height can be uncomfortable, especially during longer track-laying sessions. Using a mirror lets you inspect alignment while standing or sitting comfortably… no crouching, stretching, or accidental track marks on your face.

A mirror is also extremely useful when troubleshooting derailments. Placed alongside the track, it allows you to watch wheels, trucks, and couplers as a train moves through a problem area. You can quickly see whether wheels are lifting, binding, or tracking poorly through turnouts or curves.

Mirrors are especially valuable in hard-to-reach locations such as tunnels, behind scenery, or near layout edges. However, they are just as effective on open track during initial installation. Catching alignment issues early will save time and frustration later.

Simple, cheap, and effective, a small mirror can significantly improve track quality, reliability, and smooth train operation on any model railroad.