Comments on: Fixing Problem Track Connections

By: David

David — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:19:21 +0000

Just replace the three sections with new. 😉

By: Don jChovanec

Don jChovanec — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 01:20:34 +0000

If you are using atlas or similar track set in plastic ties, the metal part (rails) track may be loose and have moved making the fit uneven. Replacing said track is best solution if that is the case.

By: David

David — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 01:33:20 +0000

I guess from the information given that you are using set track curves. The only reason why gaps between pieces is because you are trying to force a fixed radius track into a configuration that distorts its geometry. Make sure your track is set at the true radius, or, as suggested above change over to flex track. This has the advantage of being more forgiving regarding radii, is easy to use, and cheap. Have fun, don’t get too hung up and be prepared to tweak your layout design, but never try and force set track into places it doesn’t want to go – it will always fight back and spoil your day.

By: steve

steve — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 01:16:27 +0000

All this is correct fill it in and file it /also make sure the pieces are correct radii /and same code / flex track works best just remember one rail of flex track is fixed and the other floats or slides in the ties make sure the track in place before you cut it.I always keep the floating rail to the outside and make it up one one end before I cut it. Don/joe/peter/douglas/ all of them are correct just use one fix and run a car back and forth to check it make sure the wheels a gauged correct I use a metal wheel for this.

By: Don J

Don J — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 22:31:46 +0000

MAKE SURE THE THREE CURVE PIECES ARE THE SAME RADII..
THAT COULD BE YOUR PRROBLEM. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
Please advise what the problem is/was when you find it.
DON

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 22:13:42 +0000

All good answers. Here’s another one. If the gap is small, take a piece of plastic and glue it in the gap with CA (cyano-acrylate) cement. File the plastic down to match the profile of the rail.

This is the usual recommended way to create an insulated gap when you need to isolate a section of track.

Otherwise, I would try to fill the gap with solder and file it to shape.

I am using flex track to build my layout, so that solves a number of issues with radius and curvature.

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:55:47 +0000

A really good closeup photo and a measurement (guestimate) of the gap would be really helpful.

By: Douglas Edwards

Douglas Edwards — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:32:33 +0000

Make sure radius is correct (use a radius guide) If flextrack make sure the joints are not opposite each other and solder with the guide in place.

By: Mickael Macht

Mickael Macht — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:10:30 +0000

As Mr. Brooks said on last reply, I recommend using flex track as well with each rail connection offset to one another (as I have done on all of my N scale curves) to help avoid de-railments.

My curves are a little bit wider than needed and have a slight tilt to the inside to allow a better turning radius at higher speeds with more cars attached. The slight tilt helps to pull the train around the curve. Since this was suggested in Modelrailroad Magazine, I tried it and it works perfect-at least for me.

Good luck and keep rolling!
Mickael

By: Brent

Brent — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 15:31:34 +0000

I fully agree flex track is probably the best way to go. Even though I am an N scaler I use flex track frequently it is alot there are less gaps and less derailments.

By: Phillip ATLEE

Phillip ATLEE — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 07:29:21 +0000

Jordan
Change out the three pre set radius tracks that are giving you problems and put in a piece of Flex Track (4-5 dollars from atlas ) problem solved as Martin suggests choice # 3, keeping in mind that all locomotives require different radius. I hope this helps, if not ,by all means ask more questions we are here to help, good luck.
Phillip. A

By: Frank B

Frank B — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 02:47:21 +0000

There could be a number of different reasons for this problem.
(That is why there are so many different solutions offered !-)

Fixed curve track comes in various radii, so are you certain that your track sections are the correct curves (and number of sections) that should fit together for a particular track configuration ?

Have the rails moved along the sleepers (US: ties) preventing the fishplates from properly connecting ?

Can you post a (fairly good) close-up image of the gap problem ?