Hello I looking in to getting the fast tracks straight and curved track jig. I already have one of the turn out jigs. I have not been able to find anyone that use the straight and curved tracks jigs. I want to see what the advantige is on using the jigs compared to flex track. If any one out there builds there track with the jigs would you let me know if they are worth the money or should I just stay using flex track. I am building a ho scale layout. thanks to every one out there.
I don’t know of anyone who uses these, everyone seems to use flex track or (some) handlay in between jig-built turnouts. This question has been asked on the forum a few times and I don’t recall anyone ever saying that they used the straight or curved jigs.
They may not be a very popular item at FastTracks, they seem to be special order only, unlike many of the turnout jigs (which seem to be in stock).
One of the limitations of these straight and curved jigs is they don’t allow easements, or for curves to vary smoothly in radius through their length. Each of these are nice features for smooth-flowing trackwork and are easily achieved with flex track (or non-jig built handlaid track).
The Central Valley flexible tie strips are mostly self-gauging and may be another viable choice for connections between jig-built turnouts – sort of a half-step between fully handlaid and flex.
Good luck.
Byron
A friend of mine was considering a helix, and I suggested using the fasttrack curve template so he would have a smooth curve all the way through the loop. He had been thinking about using code 83 22 inch snap track so he wouldn’t have any kinks, but was worried about all the track joints.
Also, I wonder if you could use the straight track jig to make your own flex-track. If you only soldered one rail to each tie, and alternated between left and right rails, couldn’t you bend the resulting piece? Probably wouldn’t be as flexible as real flextrack, but you should be able to make subtle adjustments.
I don’t think that would work at all. Bend an actual piece of flex track and watch how the rails and ties move in relation to one another and you’ll probably see why. Keeping the two rails in gauge would be an issue, as well.
Flex track has more visible detail than jig-built track anyway, not sure what the advantage would be.
For stretches of straight or curved track, true handlaying or flex track seem like better choices.
Byron
If, like my resident locating engineer, you use a variety of curve radii you would have to invest in a whole bunch of jigs - definitely a budget-bender.
As for a straight track jig, what would that accomplish that I can’t do with:
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An aluminum yard or meter stick?
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A four foot carpenter’s level?
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A 32" length of heavy angle iron?
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The Mk I Mod 0 human eyeball?
Having laid track (everything from sectional to four-spike-per-tie handlaid) without these gizmos, I can’t see a valid need for them. But that’s me. Others may consider them worth the price.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - sans jigs)