This is my first time using flex track, and I am having some problems. At each connection, where you have to cut the ties, there is an ugly gap in the ties. Is this supposed to happen? How can I fix it?
I take a few spare ties (from trimming the track) and slip them under the rail couplers to fill it in. With a little tweaking you can completely hid the connection.
Mark in Utah
Don’t forget to shave off the spike heads first.
Cut your rail joiners in half ( or thirds depending on how long they are). I use a cut off disc in my Dremel moto tool. Push back the ties, solder the railjoiner in place and then pu***he ties back to the joiner.
Enjoy
Paul
Before you slip the spare ties under the railjoiner, shave down the section that will be directly under the joiner. Otherwise, your rail joints will be kinky. Kinky may be okay in other parts of your house, but it will definitely cause you problems in the trainroom. The unshaved ties under the railjoiner will create a highpoint which can cause derailments on a curve.
Welcome to the forum.
I slip the shaved dummy ties under the joint and apply just enough heat from the soldering iron… not enough to melt the solder but just to soften the ties. This keeps the joint from being high and tends to hold the ties in place…