Questions/Tips Re FlexTrack

[RobertInOntario]

I really like using Peco Code 100 FlexTrack for my small layouts. Yet, I've always struggled with how to join it onto either other pieces of FlexTrack or set-track, without ending up with an uneven join or kink in the track -- this can cause trains to derail or not run smoothly through the join.

Would it work if I were to join two pieces of FlexTrack together (using rail joiners), soldering them together, and then try to create the curve -- or would this still result with an uneven join?

I'm open to any suggestions here. FlexTrack works great but it's laying the track and joining it to other pieces of track that is the tricky part (at least for me!).

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[Selector]

What you would like to do to have smooth curves is exactly what most of us recommend...join the two lengths using an appropriate joiner, align them to be straight, and solder the joiner so that it retains both ends positively. Then, you can fashion your curve.

However, you can increase the strength of the join even more by staggering the locations of the joiners. What you do is insert the sliding rail into the spike heads of the other piece and go in about four or five ties. There is where you solder that join. It usually means that you must break off the spike heads on at least one tie, but you still get a better curve out of this staggered join when you go to shape it.

-Crandell

[RobertInOntario]

What you would like to do to have smooth curves is exactly what most of us recommend...join the two lengths using an appropriate joiner, align them to be straight, and solder the joiner so that it retains both ends positively. Then, you can fashion your curve.

However, you can increase the strength of the join even more by staggering the locations of the joiners. What you do is insert the sliding rail into the spike heads of the other piece and go in about four or five ties. There is where you solder that join. It usually means that you must break off the spike heads on at least one tie, but you still get a better curve out of this staggered join when you go to shape it.

-Crandell

Thanks, Crandall. This is helpful. Since I've had a fair bit of trouble with this, I might try the first option before I attempt the other.

I have had some success with laying FlexTrack but it's certainly been hit & miss!

Rob

[Steamtrains]

I've used the method Crandell explains, and have done simple curves, and "S" curves without any problem. Just be sure to solder sliding rail to sliding rail, otherwise you'll never bend the track...Don't ask how I know...

[RobertInOntario]

I've used the method Crandell explains, and have done simple curves, and "S" curves without any problem. Just be sure to solder sliding rail to sliding rail, otherwise you'll never bend the track...Don't ask how I know...

Thanks ... yes, that would be a frustrating problem!

Rob