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Roadbed Track

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Friday, November 18, 2016 4:16 PM

Yes, as mentioned, Life-Like Power-Loc only has a curved terminal / rerailer track for 18" radius curves. You'll need to get two of the 9" straight terminal / rerailers, and a four-pack of regular 9" straights. Then you can make three ovals that will each fit inside the other. You should be able to get them at a local hobby shop, but here's a link to them on the Walthers website so you know what to look for:

https://www.walthers.com/products/layout/track-and-accessories/steel-track-power-loc-tm-9-quot-straight-terminal-rerailer

https://www.walthers.com/products/layout/track-and-accessories/steel-track-power-loc-tm-9-quot-straight-pkg-4

 

 

Stix
  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 618 posts
Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Friday, November 18, 2016 9:45 AM

I would go with Kato unitrack, many curves to choose from and it is bullit proof.

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Staten Island NY
  • 1,734 posts
Posted by joe323 on Friday, November 18, 2016 6:01 AM

Consider learning to solder its not that hard and it will work a lot better then those Atlas terminal joiners that the wires tendvto break off of.

Joe Staten Island West 

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
  • 11,439 posts
Posted by dknelson on Thursday, November 17, 2016 10:28 AM

I think I understand your question: you want what I call "integral track" with the built in plastic roadbed (LifeLike calls it Power Loc), and you want three concentric circles of track in 22" 18" and 15" radius, all of integral track, and thus all with the terminal electrical connections on curved track.

Based on the current Walthers catalog, it looks to me like Life Like does not offer a curved terminal/rerailer in Power Loc of any radius.  Instead they sell a piece of straight Power Loc track that is a terminal/re-railer.    They do offer a curved terminal/re-railer in their "normal" 18" radius sectional track, but that is not integral track.  Instead, LifeLike offers the railjoiners with electrical connections already soldered on so in theory ANY piece of code 100 track can become a terminal Track.

https://www.walthers.com/terminal-joiners-w-black-22-gauge-wire-code-100-nickel-silver-pkg-2

I cannot seem to find any integral track that has curved terminal pieces.  Kato has HO Unitrack in several radii, including 14 1'2", and in larger increments, but no curved terminal piece.

Yes, I think at best you will have to go with the electrically connected rail joiner idea.  Life Like, Atlas and perhaps others make them.

Or use the Power Loc straight terminal re-railer and have ovals or squared off "O"s, not circles.  I think the inner circle or oval may have to be Kato.

Dave Nelson

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 1,034 posts
Posted by PM Railfan on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 8:40 PM

Im not into the "ez track" track accessories so i am not sure if a terminal curve of 15" or 22" is available. If so, then purchase one of each - your done.

If not, then look under Atlas products for "Wired track connectors". Cost less than $2 for a set of 4 (should be!). Essentially, these would replace 2 existing connectors on your ez track. These have a power wire affixed to them that allows you to connect your power anywhere two sections of track connect.

 

Check out this link and view about midway down the page....

 

http://www.atlasrr.com/wiring.htm

 

Heres some for sale by a reputable establishment....

 

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Atlas-HO-842-Code-100-Terminal-Rail-Joiners-1-Pair-p/atl-842.htm

 

If your handy with a soldering iron and have the strands of wire you need handy - make yourself a terminal track section.

 

PM Railfan

 

  • Member since
    November 2016
  • 1 posts
Roadbed Track
Posted by JerryHO on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 12:32 PM

Hoping someone can advise me - I have an old Life-Like HO set with 3 Trains (new in box). The set has 3 little blue power controllers. I want to have 3 circle tracks under my christmas tree. The track with the built in roadbed that I am looking at is EZ Track. It comes in 15, 18 and 22. The 18 has a terminal rerailer -but how would I power the 15 and 22 curved track circles. I am not opposed to other brands but I do want the roadbed type of track that stays together... Thank you in advance for your help.

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