Ironing out small kinks in British Finescale track

[AndyB]

I'm starting g my first section of track laying using British Finescale N gauge track. 

 

One difference I've found to Peco Code 55 is that I get a lot of small kinks in the track. 

I'd like to hear how others have resolved this? 

I've tried using a Tracksetta template but with limited success.

Looking down the length of track it still looks more like a care-worn industrial tramway than the sleek mainline I'm hoping for. 

 

Thanks in advance.

Andy

Edited November 15, 2023 by AndyB
Better description

[Kris]

I have a 60cm metal ruler that has helped. That said laying a smooth curve is a right pain. 

[njee20]

Agreed. It’s just so much more flexible than Peco etc. Trying to lay a gentle curve is a right pain! I found just making tiny adjustments as it dries is the best you can do.

[DCB]

49 minutes ago, Kris said:

I have a 60cm metal ruler that has helped. That said laying a smooth curve is a right pain. 

The longer the better.  I would think about making a template to fit neatly between the rails to keep a piece of track (a piece as long as possible) straight while it dries and then have a second one which fixes to the first to give the correct 6 foot for straight double track.. For curves I suppose you could make a curved one...  I have the same issue outside with 00 where the mortar mix I use as ballast takes for ever to dry and the track happily distorts while i am waiting

[scottystitch]

I find multiple straight tracksetta positioned in series works for me.  I’ve also used U-section aluminium strip against the sleepers with success. I glue my Finetrax down with UHU which gives time for fine adjustments and then sets sufficiently quickly to avoid the kinks.

 

Best

 

Scott.

[Miss Prism]

http://www.clag.org.uk/pics/somersham/track02.jpg

 

pins (examples):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smukdoo-Pieces-Straight-Dressmaking-Projects/dp/B0B6TQS2Z7/ref=asc_df_B0B6TQS2Z7/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=613281967627&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14401377838152433798&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044959&hvtargid=pla-1726175415981&psc=1

 

[Kris]

7 hours ago, Miss Prism said:

http://www.clag.org.uk/pics/somersham/track02.jpg

 

pins (examples):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smukdoo-Pieces-Straight-Dressmaking-Projects/dp/B0B6TQS2Z7/ref=asc_df_B0B6TQS2Z7/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=613281967627&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14401377838152433798&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044959&hvtargid=pla-1726175415981&psc=1

 

I use drawing pins. 

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

A word with Gavin at Stoneybridge Structures will get you some custom made, perfect fitting track templates, i had my EM ones made with dovetail ends to use as longer sections.

 

Mike.

[AndyB]

Thanks all for your ideas. 

I went with a hybrid solution.

 

First off straightening out as many kinks as possible using a steel rule.

 

Followed by eyeballing the track end on, placing a finger where there was a kink, and easing that out. Working my way down the length of rail. Then repeating the process a number of times if new kinks appeared. 

Once it was "de-kinked" I glued it in place. 

 

There's a little bit of work to do to remove glue from the sleepers.