Atlas code 80 flex track problems

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi, I just wanted to ask if anyone else has had a problem with the n-scale flex track. I picked up six pieces recently for modules I’m building. I installed one on cork, glued down (no nails) and then checked the gauge. It was off. It seems that the sliding rail didn’t just move back and forth, it would wobble sideways enough that the NMRA gauge would fall between the rails. At first I though it was just a fluke, but I checked all the pieces and they were the same. It appears that there was a total of about 40 degees of “play” in the vertical angle of the rail. When it was sitting with no pressure, it would be in gauge but any pressure would cause the top of the rail to slant out…

I pulled out some old flex track I had from some years ago, just as a check, and while it, too, wobbled sideways, it was nowhere near the amount of the new flex track. Has there been some change in manufacturing, or did I just get a bad batch?

2

I’d suggest that you’ve got tracks from a bad batch…that is if all other parameters are OK.I’ve used Atlas code 80 flex without any problem in the past.Just be sure that the sliding rail does freely,no binding from the ends (squeezed between other tracks).However,I’ve found that flextracks don’t fare too well for very sharp curves,let’s say less than 12 in. radius for which sectional tracks are more suited (Atlas makes 9 3/4 and 11 in. sectionals).And also take care to always have the sliding rail inside the curve.

3

In this case it was straight, no curve at all.