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Laying flextrack on curves |
Simple technique yields smooth trackwork
by Marty McGuirk
Technique to avoid kinks when laying flex track on a curve.
| | Good track is the main difference between a layout that's fun to operate and one that gathers dust. Laying straight track is easy, but laying curves with flextrack can be tricky, especially when you need to join two sections of flextrack in the middle of a curve. It's easy to introduce a kink, guaranteeing operating problems. Here are some tracklaying tips that work for me.
Cutting and fitting flextrack
You need a good set of rail nippers. To avoid damaging the cutting edges use them only for cutting rail. I happen to use Micro Engineering’s but other brands are available.
To determine where to cut, position the track and mark the rail with a knife.
Laying curved track
Because the rails start out the same length and the inside of a curve is always shorter than the outside, the inside rail will have to be cut. This isn't all that difficult.
For all but the tightest curves you'll find you need to use more than one piece of track to complete the curve. But if you lay the curved track and then add a second piece on the curve you'll likely end up with a kink.
To prevent that problem, start the curve by spiking down a piece of flextrack through the start of the curve, leaving the last 8 to 10 inches straight. Cut the rail ends flush, file smooth, and join the next section of track.
Solder the joint while the track is still straight. Use rosin-core solder and a clean, hot iron. Heat the rail and touch the solder to the metal. The solder should take only a couple of seconds to flow. After the solder cools bend the track to the desired curve.
Smooth trackwork is critical to enjoying model railroading. Take your time and you'll be surprised at how precise your track can be.
Taken from Trackwork and Lineside Detail for Your Model Railroad from Model Railroader Books.
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The above articles is the property of and is
the copyright of Kalmbach
Publishing Co. |
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