Code 55 Track

[Bassman]

In my ignorance I've bought both Code 55 and code 80 track.

I want to stay with Code 55 if I can as I've spent a fortune on turnouts  but now I cannot seem to find any second and third radius double curves or double straights in Code 55, am I missing something here.

I know I can buy flexy track in code 55 but I would prefer the double curves and out of preference I don't wish to lift the code 55 turnouts.

Any advice gratefully received

Barry

[Sprintex]

Code 55 is part of the Streamline range which only comes as turnouts, crossings and flexitrack. This also applies to Code 80 Streamline.

The fixed radius curves and rigid straights only come as code 80 Setrack


Paul

[Mike W]

If you want help in laying the curves in code 55 flexitrack, buy a tracksetta (type it in on eBay or whatever). They make it super easy to get smooth curves.

[Bassman]

Many thanks to those who replied and I have to admit that I had never heard of tracksetta.

Anyway I'm going to place an order for someone but it occurs to me that I will have to cut some of the flexy track so that leads me to my next question.

Is it better to use a fine blade saw or track cutters. I see that with track cutters there are two types, a vertical cut model and another which I assume is a horizontal cut which type is the best?

Once cut using cutters does the line have to be dressed, if so what type of file or stone is recommended.

Thank you.

Barry

[Newportnobby]

Hi Barry,
The preferred cutters are Xuron and the cuts are made vertically for N gauge. Please ensure that the cut is vertical or you won't get full contact between the track ends and/or unsightly gaps between joins which can affect running.
Some folks swear you have to file the rail ends ( needle files are good for this) but I have never found the need
If you consider the saw route, you need a razor saw and then it's best to make a small jig from 2 pieces of wood to hold the track while you saw it. This is fine and dandy on straight track but presents problems with curved track. I used to use that method until I discovered the Xuron cutters (thanks to this forum)

[Sprintex]

I cut mine with a Dremel cut-off disc, with suitable eye protection of course

If you don't already have a Dremel or similar multitool handy then I agree the Xuron cutters are the way to go.


Paul

[Bassman]

Cutters ordered, thank you both.

Barry

[Newportnobby]

Cutters ordered, thank you both.

Barry

Hi Barry,
I'm sure you won't regret it, but please be sure to read the instructions and don't use them for cutting anything else
If snipping off small pieces of track (and you will) I'd suggest eye protection anyway as the bits ricochet around your head if you can't grip them

[ParkeNd]

And use the Xuron track cutters the right way round as shown in the instructions. Then you will get a super clean cut on the piece of track you want to use - and a mashed end on the offcut. The offcut can be re-used by turning the cutters over and clipping 1cm off.

[Newportnobby]

Again, I disagree with that as I just use mine and affix rail joiners each side of the cut.
No 'mashed ends' for me

[ParkeNd]

Again, I disagree with that as I just use mine and affix rail joiners each side of the cut.
No 'mashed ends' for me

I wonder if you are being lucky here Mick?  The Xuron instructions point it out as do most of the videos. I didn't have a single cut where both sides of the cut were perfect - both rails cut perfectly on the side of the cut that is on the piece of track being installed - but the side of the cut on the "off-cut" side is deformed to the shape of the Xuron blades. The clean side also needed an invisible burr removing with a single pass of a file before I could get Peco rail joiners on reliably. The off-cut side would have never accepted a rail joiner without clipping a small bit off with the rail reversed 180 degrees.

[Newportnobby]

Again, I disagree with that as I just use mine and affix rail joiners each side of the cut.
No 'mashed ends' for me

I wonder if you are being lucky here Mick?  The Xuron instructions point it out as do most of the videos. I didn't have a single cut where both sides of the cut were perfect - both rails cut perfectly on the side of the cut that is on the piece of track being installed - but the side of the cut on the "off-cut" side is deformed to the shape of the Xuron blades. The clean side also needed an invisible burr removing with a single pass of a file before I could get Peco rail joiners on reliably. The off-cut side would have never accepted a rail joiner without clipping a small bit off with the rail reversed 180 degrees.

No luck involved, Chris
My Xuron cutters are the 2175B version and on the card backing from the packaging it states "Quick clean cuts" and "No post - cut filing"
They just work

[ParkeNd]

Mine are PXU2175B and one side of the blades is a perfect bypass cut which produces the perfect square cut they promise - but the other is an angled wedge - this side deforms my off-cut rail.

There are at least two different pack types. Mine is yellow and blue and says Xuron Corp on it, but I have also seen Xurons in Gaugemaster packaging and I think even one other tool companies packs. Maybe some don't have the wedge angled back face on the blades?

[Railwaygun]

And use the Xuron track cutters the right way round as shown in the instructions. Then you will get a super clean cut on the piece of track you want to use - and a mashed end on the offcut. The offcut can be re-used by turning the cutters over and clipping 1cm off.

1mm surely??

[Railwaygun]

And use the Xuron track cutters the right way round as shown in the instructions. Then you will get a super clean cut on the piece of track you want to use - and a mashed end on the offcut. The offcut can be re-used by turning the cutters over and clipping 1cm off.

1mm surely??