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Installing Track

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  • Member since
    July 2013
  • 245 posts
Installing Track
Posted by starman on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 4:47 PM

Hi All

When installing HO flex track in a curve, is it best to have the moveable rail on the inside or outside of the curve?  Thanks,

Jack

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 5:00 PM

Sliding rail on the inside, that way when you curve the track it will stick out and you can cut it even with the outside rail to connect the next track.  Thats what I do one 3 layouts so far and it works excellent.

 

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 5:22 PM

I agree, sliding rail on the inside. And solder the joint between the connecting sections of flex track, covering the rail joiner with solder on the outside of each rail.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • 1,358 posts
Posted by SouthPenn on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 8:58 AM

I don't pay much attention to the sliding track. I usually leave the ends where ever they land. That way the track joints are not right next to each other. For me, that makes it more like the real railroads.

Same with my hand laid track.

South Penn
  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 1:18 PM

When the sliding rail is on the inside of the curve, the ends of the ties are squeezed closer together.  With the sliding rail on the outside, the ends of the ties are spread out.  Since the prototype has a standard minimum tie spacing, the spreading of the ties on the outside of the curve would not be acceptable.  Therefore the sliding rail on the inside creates a more prototypical appearance.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

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