Woodywood Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Do you have to cut this track to get the size you need as I can only find it in 1 yard lengths Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Storey Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Yes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted June 5, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 5, 2015 You will also need to cut one or both rails when you make curves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Storey Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Woody - suggest you invest in a pair of Xuron track cutters and a set of tiny needle files. That will make your life much easier when using any flexi-track. I would also suggest a set of track radii templates to ensure you get the curves about right, but that's not essential. Is this your first time using flexible track (as opposed to the set track systems of Hornby, Bachmann or indeed Peco)? Or just first time using Code 75? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodywood Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 Thanks tor the reply's and yes Mike it my first time with flexi track and Peco will have a look at the track cutters,I use needle files everyday in my job so that's not a problem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Woodtwood A slitting disk in a mini drill, or a junior hacksaw will also cut it very well. A 6" number 3 (fine) cut file is best to square everything up with needle files used to deburr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew1974 Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Woodtwood A slitting disk in a mini drill, or a junior hacksaw will also cut it very well. A 6" number 3 (fine) cut file is best to square everything up with needle files used to deburr I used to use a junior hacksaw then discovered the track cutters, never used a hacksaw on my track since, excellent tool. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Never had much of a problem myself......... Only real problem was it seemed to melt the plastic ties !!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phil Bullock Posted June 5, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 5, 2015 Have to agree with Hayfield - slitting disc in dremmel is best option for cutting code 75 Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted June 6, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 6, 2015 Woody The track cutters are like wire cutters except that instead of a V shaped cutter, one side is flat. The flat side leaves a lot less to be filed off the rail end (but more on the cut=off remnant). I've been known to use a "razor saw". I find the motor tool is a bit overpowering unless you hold down the rail. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LlandudnoJunction Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 I use a dremal 3000 with a 38mm metal cutting wheel. If you cut the peco 75 track nice and slow you get a smooth cut that dosent need much filing. Also some great deals on them at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodgit Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Lots of excellent videos on youtube under EverardJunction, he recently posted some including tracking laying showing you everything you need to know. He uses code 100 and some set track on his layout, but the same principles apply to code 75 flexi track, and you will of course have to use code 75 points (I like the long ones!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k91eE-Gjw5w Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodywood Posted December 19, 2015 Author Share Posted December 19, 2015 Im planning to have a "merry go round"in and around a coal mine what is the tightest rad I can get from code 75 is it 18"if so Im one happy woody Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted December 20, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 20, 2015 I don't know about code 75, but I've had the 100 under a 12" radius. It may get lumpy that small and require extra tabs cut between the sleepers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted December 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 20, 2015 Im planning to have a "merry go round"in and around a coal mine what is the tightest rad I can get from code 75 is it 18"if so Im one happy woody It is possible to use flextrack at such tight radii but quite difficult particularly at the track joints. You may find it better to use Code 100 sectional track and bury the sleepers and rails in "sludge" to hide the difference in rail height (lots of coal dust settles on the track in reality at such locations. Special fishplates are available to join the 75 to the 100. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCB Posted December 20, 2015 Share Posted December 20, 2015 It is not the radius per se but the difficulty of joining flexi track at such small radii. I use code 100 but like to use set track for curves under no 3 radius, you may find soldering a piece of brass along the outside of the rail at the fishplate prevents the inevitable creep towards a kink as the layout ages, You could always lay the code 75 on inverted set track bases to keep the curvature. As for minimum radius I am sure 9" is possible in 00 and as soon as I get my Emmet designed 0-2-0 tender loco and free lance 0-3-0VBT built I shall have a go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted December 21, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 21, 2015 2 yards of flextrack will do a half circle at 18" radius (plus a bit). I solder the ends together while straight, with rail joiners, then put the join in the middle of the curve and bend. I need a variation of this for larger radii! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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