Sectional tracl

[Blind Bruce]

What radii are available if I decide to go to sectional track? Are there more than one manufacturer?
I just checked my circle of flex track that i use for a test track and found the gauge runs from loose to tight. I guess I didn't lay it right.
BB

[SpaceMouse]

I have 15, 18 & 22 Atlas track. I'd bet there are other options.

[nfmisso]

BB;

Bachmann HO E-Z track is available in 15, 18, 22, 26, 28, 33¼ and 35½ inch radius.

For Kato see: http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Track&scale=H&manu=381&item=&keywords=&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search

[selector]

The trouble with sectional is that you are stuck with the exit angle due to its rigid nature. Yes, it stays in guage, but you might have to alter your line considerably at either end of the curve if you use a given radius of sectional. Of course, you coud always try another flex-track adjacent to it.

By the way, I don't know if this is true, but others insist the fixed and sliding tracks on flex-track have to be on the 'right' side when you flex them. I think the sliding rail should be on the outside of your curve, but not positive.

[Anonymous]

Sliding side on flex track goes to the inside of the curve. Try bending it the otherway and you will see why..

[lyctus]

I mix sectional track with flex track and get good results. The sectional curved track is easier for me than trying to get the flex track into a"perfect"curve. I use atlas code 83 22 and 24" curve track. I'm using the set track in my helixes.

[siberianmo]

My HO layout has over 500 pieces of Bachmann nickel silver EZ track w/22" radius curves. It isn't what most modelers prefer, nor is it necessarily what I would go with again - but if installed correctly, it does just fine. It is UNFORGIVING - cannot bend it and every joint must be as tight as you can get it before permanently fixing it to your layout. Keep these things in mind, and it will serve you well.

I ballasted over the "cheesy" looking light grey roadbed that comes with the track - once done, it looks just fine to me.

Check it out (click to enlarge):





See ya![tup]

[Anonymous]

What's your opinion on the EZ Track turnouts? I've been hearing that they're pretty worthless, so I'm thinking of switching to sectional and flex track.

[Don Gibson]

BLIND BRUCE:

SECTIONAL TRACK now includes roadbed. 22" radius is universal - as it fit's on a 4' wide sheet of plywood. Most (that have it) seem to prefer KATO's brand. KATO has better ELECTRICAL connection's (good), and seemingly better switches. BACHMANN seem's get the most complaints - sloppy assembly.

FLEXTRACK comes in 3' section's that can be curved into any radius, but has looser tolerances - as you found out. If one takes your 'handle' literally, curving flextrack takes eyeballing to get a smooth curve, Ie: consistant radius . Properly laid Sectional' track takes care of that and you 'live' with what's offered.

CAVEAT: Avoid 'mixing' of brand's. Your goal should be to MINIMIZE problems.

[Anonymous]

I use Kato unitrack and am satisfied with it. It is probably the best sectional track available because it makes very good electrical connections at the joints. I may have an track electrical problem with the momentum feature on my MRC power sources because the trains will sometimes not move unless the power is turned very high to start. With the momentum feauture turned off I have no problems. The curves are made for 33 millimeter track centers and the various radii are 249 millimeters, 282 millimeters, 315 millimeters, 348 millimeters, 381 millimeters and a few others. I use 282, 315 and 348 millimeter radii and found that even the 282 millimeter radius is satisfactory. I have not tried anything smaller than 282 millimeters and suspect there would be problems with 249 millimeters.

The number 6 turnouts are good but the number 4 turnouts are not so good. I tried to make a crossover with two number 4 turnouts with 33 millimeter track centers and they would not work right with very frequent derailments. I don't think the number 4 turnout was designed right. However, Kato makes a very good double crossover with 33 millimeter track centers for the same price as two number 4 turnouts and that is the way to make it work. There is rarely a derailment in the double crossover. The number 4 turnouts work most of the time with just a single turnout in yard but even then they sometimes cause derailments. You cannot make 33 millimeter track centers with the number 6 turnouts so you either have to use number 4 turnouts in the yard or else make wider track centers with number 6 turnouts which is not as practicle.

I have never tried flex track and probably would not have the time or patience to use it. It is very easy to change the layout with sectional track becaue you can pull the sections apart and reassemble them whenever you want.