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Hi Mark [2c] Let me throw my two cents in and try not to confuse you more. [%-)] First, I understand you have an Atlas track plan you like to build. Atlas test all their track plans and they do work. They have the layout on a grid to show you what size it is. Second, look at the top or side of the page the track plan is on. See that little train? It might be pulled by a steam locomotive on one side and a diesel on another side. Atlas suggest this is the size and type of equipment that will run on that particular layout. The size of the minimum radius will dictate what type of equipment you can run on it. Any other radius on the layout can be larger but none can be smaller than the minimum. If you want to use flex track instead of sectional track, the simplest way (but more expensive) is to layout the track plan with sectional track and replace it with flex track after you laydown the roadbed. However, when you use flex track for a curve you will have to cut off the excess rail at some point. You can use an [url="http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-400"]Atlas snap saw[/url] or a flush cutting [url="http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=60315"]Rail Nipper[/url] cutting tool (click on highlited words). I also recommend this [url="http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/12254.html"]BOOK[/url]. ALWAYS WEAR SAFTY GLASSES WHEN USING CUTTING OR POWER TOOLS You can find used sectional track cheap at model railroad shows or on [url="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R4&sacategory=19131&satitle=track"]eBay[/url]. In the Atlas book it shows to use upholstery tacks to secure the cork roadbed and track nails to secure the track. That is the old way and it makes for very bumpy roadbed and you can bend or break rail ties if you pu***oo hard on the track nails. Many modelers are now recommending latex cualking to glue track and roadbed. The questions I have for you is, how much room do you have? Are you building on a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood or foam? Do you already own HO scale rolling stock? If so, what is it? F.Y.I. I made my own radius templates out of poster board. I made a compas from a wooden yard stick by drilling holes in it to hold a nail at the pivot and a pencil at different radi. They are 2 1/2" wide (that is my track center spacing for curves) so each edge will help me mark my center line. But now I'm getting off the subject here. You can e-mail me if you have any other questions.
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