How many use you curve flextrack?dard

I use Gargraves flex track but I match the diameters to the common diameters (2 X radii) available from Ross Custom switches. That way the flow is consistent when entering sidings, yards or curved mainline switches.                                                                                                                                                                                                        One thing I learned from my HO and N scale days is to make an easement from the curves to the straights so the transition is smoother when approaching or leaving a curve. For instance, If I lay a 72" diameter 180 degree curve on my roadbed, I actually position the straights it connects to about 73" or 74" apart so the curve becomes an increasingly wider diameter, or spiral, as it joins the straight track. That small design tweak makes the moving trains seem less toy-like.

TJ

I like to use flex track mostly, and sectional curves, because longer track sections (fewer joints) benefit DCS functionality. I don't really want to start making my own curves and the pre-made sectional track helps with keeping things oriented correctly. Flex track also helps with creating long gentle curves.

I use Ross O72 and O54 curves.

Neal Jeter

I should have but opted for preformed curves.  Ah but for a few inches more my shelf queens could be riding the rails.

I used Gargraves Flex for most of my track, and some Ross O72 sectional track.  My flex curves range from around O99 to O72.

I have used both atlas and gargraves. Atlas is a bit harder to work but curve is smoother. Gargraves can kink a bit if not careful. I use a dremel and a file to cut. I cut with the motor on top of the rail I’m going to use.

@gunrunnerjohn posted: John, if it wouldn't be to much trouble, do you have a picture from the other end that you could share? I would like to do something like this to my layout. Thanks in advance.

I used Gargraves Flex for most of my track, and some Ross O72 sectional track.  My flex curves range from around O99 to O72.

I must have done something wrong with my last post......................

Here's the other end.  You can also see lots more pictures of the build in my layout thread.

John's Layout Thread

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I used Gargraves Flex for most of my track, and some Ross O72 sectional track.  My flex curves range from around O99 to O72.

John...I love the huge white industrial smoke stack! (LOL...!)  Seriously, this is a nice looking track layout.  Can't wait to see it progress.  You should be taking lots of pictures since I would like to see it in the magazine!

@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:

John...I love the huge white industrial smoke stack! (LOL...!)  Seriously, this is a nice looking track layout.  Can't wait to see it progress.  You should be taking lots of pictures since I would like to see it in the magazine!

Alan, I'm thinking that could be a giant Redwood trunk.

I only use Gargraves flex and bend all my curves, except the large curved turnouts. and super elevation on most curves.

I hid my column in a mountain,

Photo taken with only base coat applied

I used Gargraves flex for my layout (bent using the Mark I stomach template  ).  The Gargraves people were pretty happy about it.

I confess that I started with "official" bending  templates for the flex, but ended up doing most of it with the Mark I Stomach Template as well.  It's fairly easy when you're doing wider curves, I can imagine doing O31 with Gargraves flex is a bit more difficult.

Flex almost exclusively for both my two rail and three rail.

Cosmetic curves can add interest

Although real RRs build along the shortest straight line which is more economical (and boring IMO).

The gentle bends coming off the wye

were formed by bending along the curved benchwork.

The shop vac upper lip forms this curve

Two pieces of flex from the shop vac make an 031 return loop

Just add a 031 LH switch, short straight and a full 031 curve

And you have a return loop.

I have a old dining room table on my patio and I have a round drill press table I set on it. I use it to bend Gargraves where I should and looks about right and then try on my layout. It usually takes several tries to get right. Having the track on a table as you bend prevents twist. Like Tom T with his shop vac.

For the few curves i did use flex on the water heater served as a template.

I required 2 flex sections to configure my Y.