ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
I'm starting to lay new flex track on my layout. I know to make sure all the movable rails are on the same side together , but is there a certain side the movable rail has to be on? Does it have to be on the outside of the curve or inside of the curve , or doesnt it matter as long as all the movable rails are on the same side? That question sounds confusing, i hope I asked it right. Thanks
Johnny B
In practicality, it doesn't really matter, but you would find it better to cut off what you don't use in the long rail, and that is what happens when the sliding rail is kept to the inside. I think putting the sliding rail on the outside actually allows a very slight widening of the gauge on the curve, and that can be useful, particularly if you are forced down to curves under 20" radius.
Most of us keep the sliding rail to the inside and trim off the part that sticks out. Some of us use that sliding rail end to insert it into the next length of flex track so that the joins are staggered. It makes for a better curve at the join. Ideally, you lay the two lengths out straight and flat, solder the joiners into place (means removing a tie and then reinserting it later), and then form the curve. You get a nice clean, and strong, curve that way.
One thing I've found through trial and error is that once you get your two pieces of flex soldered together (into one piece which will be your curve), then solder one free end to the straight track (like a turnout or crossing). Your transition from a straight should be just as smooth as the flex, otherwise you develop a kink in the start of a curve and will have derailments.
