Ok, a co-worker and I were going over our layouts and I had this crazy thought. I tried flex track for the first time and noted some things I do and do not like. My crazy thought was why not make rigid straight sections in 36" and 18" along with just a 9". We both sent e-mails on this to Atlas. I got a “thanks for your imput” back. But I was wondering what others think.
[soapbox]
9" straight sections are the most cost effective way of delivering rigid track. Longer sections are…well…less flexible. Also consider how their “snap” switches and re-railer pieces are also 9" and you can see how standardizing to 9"s make their modular track system…well…flexible.
If you lay flex track along side of a straight edge, then you will have straight piece of flex track.
David B
AHM (I think) used to market 18" long (or maybe longer–it’s been awhile) straight sections–I remember those when setting up the trains under the Christmas tree when I was a boy.
Greg
When laying a straight stretch. I caulk the track down and nudge it up against my one Metre level or Metre stick. It dries pretty darn straight. Having manufacturers make a variation of virtually the same item only drives prices up.[:)]
Brent
LOL about the “thanks for your input” note from Atlas. I got the same reaction when I suggested a 6’ foot length of flex track to avoid having to solder two 3’ lengths together. I know, I know, it is more expensive to package and ship 6’ lengths, so just sell it in bulk.
Rich
If you flip a piece of Atlas code 100 flex track ties-up, you will notice that the tie strip is actually molded in four 9-inch sections.
Then, compare the price of one 36 inch length of flex to 4 9-inch lengths of ‘rigid’ track (bought from the same retail source at the same time.)
So what would be gained by producing longer rigid track - aside from an excuse for charging more for the same product?
Actually, for the rather minor bother of learning how to lay straight flex track a sectional track user can enjoy substantial savings simply by using flex cut to appropriate lengths instead of 9-inch straight sections on all of his tangents.
Also, if anyone is producing real spiral easements in sectional track that’s one of the best-kept secrets in history.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with flex track and spiral easements)
Not just expensive to ship - but a high mortality rate of damaged packaging without question. Long slender packages can get treated very roughly. Walthers’s retail outlet here in Milwaukee sells damaged packaging items cheaply - those of use who live in the area are beneficiaries – and it seems certain packaging is prone to damage. Track, cork roadbed, trees, and certain structure kits are commonly seen on the bargain table.
Years ago Atlas offered a flex track (brass rail if I recall) with plastic ties that was, if memory serves, just two feet long and almost as rigid as snap track. Indeed to call it flex track was something of a misnomer.
Dave
I myself prefer to use flex track every where , but there are a few well concealed spots on the railroad where some small pieces of sectional track have been used. Once you get the hang of how to cut it and soldering and all that jazz. As far as getting it to come out perfectly straight don’t sweat it if it’s not 100% perfect have you ever looked down a long section of real train track it’s normal to have a little waviness here and there. The straight edge idea is a good one.I have one of those plastic track gauging tools from Micromark and i slide it down the rails to make sure their parallel to each other and the end result is the track winds up pretty straight.