Has anyone used the tools from MLR to lay track?
They have a gauge to maintain parallel rails. flex track laying tool, ballast laying cup, soldering tool. track tool (helps find misaligned joints and straight cuts.), radius tool.
I was wondering in $15-30 bucks was worth the investment. These seem to be fixutres for some of the mistakes I tend to install and have to repair.
DT
DT,
I presume you’re talking about these items – http://www.mlrmfg.com/
I’ve laid over 1200’ of HO code 100 flextrack on my current layout, without using any of those tools.
I do use the “soldering tool” whenever I need to cut and re-solder a “wiggle”.
I do plan to use the “ballast spreader” when I get around to adding ballast.
Keep in mind that you can buy the tools individually, either from MicroMark or your LHS.
Happy Tracklaying !!
You can pretty much make all tne tools you need with the exception of an NMRA gauge. A long stick cut to the distance between rails will keep track perfectly straight. Every couple of inches niotch out the edge so you spike the inside of the rails if you want. the Ballast spreader was originally an article in MR. I’m surprised that someone has offered it commercially for years with no recognition of the designer unless he received or receives a royalty of some kind that was never mentioned. There are curved section of varying radii that can be used for laying curves but you could even make them if you wanted.