Flexible N gauge Track

[Artisan]

Still thinking about the track I will be needing for my first layout. Would I better off using lengths of flexible track or is that not a good idea for the beginner?

[b308]

It's fine, and also gives you more flexibility in that you are not governed by the set-track's geometry. You will need a track cutter, though, this is the best https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xuron-Track-Cu ... B000IBOOU8

Also bear in mind that flexible track will not "hold" a curve so needs to be fastened down to the baseboard. Finally you will need to buy some rail joiners, they come as ordinary and insulated!

Please go to this forum's main website and read the "shows you how" sections, on the left of the page.

https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/

[Emettman]

Still thinking about the track I will be needing for my first layout. Would I better off using lengths of flexible track or is that not a good idea for the beginner?

Flexitrak is handy for those slight curves and odd lengths which can be important on small layouts as saving little bits of space, cumulatively, can make a significant difference.

A start point on making a layout our own is realising that it's perfectly alright to cut set-track straights and curves down to length if that's what YOU need. A little bit of sleeper- trimming and extra rail joiners, and an exact but non-standard length, or angle, is yours.

Chris.

[Artisan]

It's fine, and also gives you more flexibility in that you are not governed by the set-track's geometry. You will need a track cutter, though, this is the best https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xuron-Track-Cu ... B000IBOOU8

Also bear in mind that flexible track will not "hold" a curve so needs to be fastened down to the baseboard. Finally you will need to buy some rail joiners, they come as ordinary and insulated!

Please go to this forum's main website and read the "shows you how" sections, on the left of the page.

https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/

Thank you for the information. Are the track cutters designed for the job as they look like a small wire cutter tool? From my white metal modelling days I do have a pair of cutters that look just those shown on Amazon. Would they do?

[Artisan]

Still thinking about the track I will be needing for my first layout. Would I better off using lengths of flexible track or is that not a good idea for the beginner?

Flexitrak is handy for those slight curves and odd lengths which can be important on small layouts as saving little bits of space, cumulatively, can make a significant difference.

A start point on making a layout our own is realising that it's perfectly alright to cut set-track straights and curves down to length if that's what YOU need. A little bit of sleeper- trimming and extra rail joiners, and an exact but non-standard length, or angle, is yours.

Chris.

Thank you Chris. Very helpful.

[Artisan]

It's fine, and also gives you more flexibility in that you are not governed by the set-track's geometry. You will need a track cutter, though, this is the best https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xuron-Track-Cu ... B000IBOOU8

Also bear in mind that flexible track will not "hold" a curve so needs to be fastened down to the baseboard. Finally you will need to buy some rail joiners, they come as ordinary and insulated!

Please go to this forum's main website and read the "shows you how" sections, on the left of the page.

https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/

With all this information going round in my head I had completely forgotten all about the "shows you how" sections. I will check them out.

[b308]

It's fine, and also gives you more flexibility in that you are not governed by the set-track's geometry. You will need a track cutter, though, this is the best https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xuron-Track-Cu ... B000IBOOU8

Thank you for the information. Are the track cutters designed for the job as they look like a small wire cutter tool? From my white metal modelling days I do have a pair of cutters that look just those shown on Amazon. Would they do?

Yes they are designed for the job. Get the Xuron ones, they are the best and give a straight cut one one side (if used as per instructions) which wire cutters won't. Also they are far easier to use than a hacksaw or cutting disk and less dangerous. They are well worth the money and will pay you back many times over! Don't use them for anything else such as wire cutting or you will ruin them. Sometimes you need to spend a little extra to get a decent tool that will last, this is one of those times.

You will also need a needle file to finish off the end of the rail so you can get track joiners on, a cheap set of needle files will do!

[Artisan]

It's fine, and also gives you more flexibility in that you are not governed by the set-track's geometry. You will need a track cutter, though, this is the best https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xuron-Track-Cu ... B000IBOOU8

Thank you for the information. Are the track cutters designed for the job as they look like a small wire cutter tool? From my white metal modelling days I do have a pair of cutters that look just those shown on Amazon. Would they do?

Yes they are designed for the job. Get the Xuron ones, they are the best and give a straight cut one one side (if used as per instructions) which wire cutters won't. Also they are far easier to use than a hacksaw or cutting disk and less dangerous. They are well worth the money and will pay you back many times over! Don't use them for anything else such as wire cutting or you will ruin them. Sometimes you need to spend a little extra to get a decent tool that will last, this is one of those times.

You will also need a needle file to finish off the end of the rail so you can get track joiners on, a cheap set of needle files will do!

Thank you for the reply. I do agree about having good tools.