Flex vs Sectional.

[Sumpter250]

Since I'm running 18 inch curves (dictated by the minimum radius of the locomotives, not the track manufacturer), it's also easier to align curves with other track. I'm not saying that it can't be done, I'm just saying that it's easier for me. I'm trying to enjoy my hobby.

I would suspect that layout size also has a significant impact on curve radius. The curves in the dual gauge loop on my "Seaport" modules are all 18" because of the size limitation. 18" flex track curves --- and a third rail for the Narrow Gauge, hand spiked in place --- Yes, that was "fun". hock:

[MountainMan]

Probably the biggest - and simplest -reason for using flex track on straight sections is that it takes the strain out of getting measurements precise. Once the curves are laid, a piece of flex track fits pretty much no matter what, since the flxibility allows for some "wiggle room".

[Brakie]

Les,I could do that S curve using sectional-2 curves and a short section should work.

[Lester Perry]

Thank you Mike.

[Brakie]

Something to consider: rail joiners are not good conductors of electricity. As a rule of thumb, I drop feeders for every section of track. That would be one set of feeders for 3 feet of flex, or 4 sets of feeders for 3 feet of sectional track. Just some food for thought.... Chuck

From my experience that is wiring overkill but,if it pleases you go fer it.

I've built 10' ISL that had 2 wires going to the track from my Tech II or CM20 and in 1977 1 built a 4x8' loop layout with brass track and only use 2 wires from a MRC Golden Throttle power pack...80% of that layout was sectional track.I ran that layout for about 15 months before going back to my more normal ISL.It was a nice layout but,its down fall was loop running with limited switching.

[Mike Kieran]

Thank you Mike.

No problem Les. Great work needs a shoutout.

[Mike Kieran]

Since I'm running 18 inch curves (dictated by the minimum radius of the locomotives, not the track manufacturer), it's also easier to align curves with other track. I'm not saying that it can't be done, I'm just saying that it's easier for me. I'm trying to enjoy my hobby.

I would suspect that layout size also has a significant impact on curve radius. The curves in the dual gauge loop on my "Seaport" modules are all 18" because of the size limitation. 18" flex track curves --- and a third rail for the Narrow Gauge, hand spiked in place --- Yes, that was "fun". hock:

Agreed, not everyone has a lot of room for larger radius curves. My layout size , however, is dictated by my curves and equipment. I would have gone with a smaller radius if all of the equipment that I'm going to use could handle it.

[Lester Perry]

Hand laid anyone?

I was going back over this thread looking for ISL as I don't know what it means. When I found this which went un noticed.
OK here is my reply.
I would attempt it if I could. I am limited to using my right hand only. Which makes it hard enough using flex. Luckily I have done 95% of my track laying. All I do now is making changes/improvements. With possibly some big ones coming this winter.

[Southern Tuxedo]

Lester,

ISL = Industrial Short Line

Mark

[Lester Perry]

Thank you Mark

[Brakie]

Les,Mark is close but...ISL means Industrial Switching Layout ISL for short..I picked this term up at a local Advance Layout Design meeting.Its a lose group that gets together 3 or 4 times a year to discuse layout planing.

[Southern Tuxedo]

Larry,

Oops :oops: not sure where I got that from.

Mark

[Green_Elite_Cab]

More and more I've come to the conclusion that Flex track is better than sectional track.

Right now, my layout WILL NOT function, mostly due to sectional track. I've been planning on rebuilding the track for a LONG time (hence no ballast on my mainlines). While I have removed and replaced some sectional track with flex track, I continue to get dead spots. I've even gone as far as to solder every sectional joint I could reach. Still there are dead spots, and this is unacceptable.

This is not to say that sectional track doesn't work. It did for a long time, until it got old. every winter and summer i have to go and rebuild my track just to undo the effects of expansion and contraction. I recognize that flex track is also vulnerable to this, but not nearly as much as if every connection was broken every 9 inches.

Still, the reliability boost (both in terms of electrical connectivity and dramatic reduction of uneven rail joints) makes flex track the best choice.

I was going back over this thread looking for ISL as I don't know what it means.

Don't feel alone, i had no clue what it meant either! but as Bill Nye used to say "NOW YOU KNOW".

[Lester Perry]

Daa-yup now I know, now I know.

[Russ Bellinis]

One thing not yet mentioned regarding flex track is the ease of making easements for all of your curves. Of course, you can't run broad radius curves with sectional in ho. I just started using flex when I built my first layout, and I just never considered using anything else unless I decide to hand lay, which at this point will be only switches since no one makes a r-t-r switch that conforms to NMRA standards.