Hey fellow "N" gaugers,i have just bought a box of sl300 flexitrack,I still intend to buy 3rd radius curves but would like to ask what would the limit of Flex really be without looking wrong?-Was going to buy 28 double straights at $126 aus dollars in shop but got 24 fexi for $139 plus post.

Quote from: willintas on August 03, 2013, 04:35:33 AM

what would the limit of Flex really be without looking wrong?-

Flexitrack can be bent to very tight bends but what 'looks wrong' is usually a very personal opinion - to me nothing sharper than 12 inches radius. However, there are other considerations, like what type of stock you will be running as some will not comfortably traverse bends less than 10 inches radius.

H.

Flexi curve will allow you to make 9 inch (R1) curves if you really want too! Not really a good idea if you can avoid it, some streamer and modern loco's don't like curves less than roughly second radial.

As to  looking 'wrong', its more of a case of 'is it acceptable to you within the constraints of your layout plans"? Remembering that most of what we model is a compromise.

A small tip if you picked up Peco Code 55 flexi is that underneath on the sleepers are arrows, make sure that there point to the inside of your curves, it makes things easier.


PS Must learn to type faster  - sorry for repeating H

The limit I find on flex isn't the curve of the track (at least not for the Peco stuff) its your ability to bend it perfectly smoothly so you end up with say continuous 9" not a mix of 10" and 8" (the latter bits causing derailments). For bigger curves it gets easier, plus a slight variation between 12 and 14" doesn't matter to stock.

Alan

I always use Tracksetta its really easy to use and you get great looking curves and straights .

https://railsofsheffield.com/manufacturer-tracksetta-JJJM78.aspx

Thank you guys,i think i will stick with buying the curves and using flexi for the straights which will now to able to have nice gentle curves in it