I am currently building an HO under-the-tree layout that, because of storage issues, will need to be in two sections. These two plywood/scenery sections will join so that the track completes a continuous loop. My question: What is the easiest method for connecting the pieces of track where the two sections meet? Are there track connectors sold for use with modular sections or for use with lift gates? I’m looking for a relatively simple system that will allow me to line up the two sections of the layout, then click!, the track sections join flush.
I’m guessing you’re using flex track or the track with the road bed attached (EZ Track, et al). If so, for flex track, I would think rail joiners are the answer. They would slip on (and off) the ends of the rails. If you’re using the road bed track, they would snap together as well. As long as your two plywood sections are supported (or flat on the floor), there should be no problem with sagging or bending at the joints between the two sections.
I wouldn’t join them at all. I would hinge the two halves so that they could fold up and become one half-sized storable chunk, but I would put blocks between them to keep the closing ends apart so as to prevent crushing the track.
However, when you fold the two halves, the rails will need to be cut in such a way that the ends clear when the folding takes place. That will have to be accomplished using a lenticular needle file. Such a file has a flat side and a curved (convex) side, and would be maybe 1/4" wide. You would need to file a slightly concave end into the rail tips on one side of the fold, and a concave tip on the opposite ones on the other half of the folding plywood. It is a bit of work, yes, but it will work and look better, in my opinion, than inserting two or more temporary “plugs” of custom-cut track and then shoring them and trying to make them look blended. Perhaps that is not so important to you, in which case the small track inserts with joiners would be the way to go.
You should also be sure that where the two pieces of plywood meet, you have your section of track (which ever style you use) ‘straddle’ the joint. You don’t want the sections to meet over the split in the sections.
If you do have two seperate sections, not hinged, as suggested, I agree with the above. use a 3" section of track at the gap. If your track ends come right out to the edge it will catch on things when you move it. By laying your track so that a 3" (or 6") piece of sectional track (with or without roadbed attached) fills the gap, you won’t damage your track when it is in storage. This is the way most of the modules I have seen at shows are joined.