12-28-2014, 09:43 PM
I know 3 companies that make curve gauges.
Tracksetta
Ribbonrail
Fastracks.
I own examples of the first two. Tracksetta is British and may not be easily available. Ribbonrail is American. Both of these fit inside the rails. Ribbonrail comes in more sizes -- I think they have 2" increments in radii. Tracksetta is more like 6" or even a foot or more. Tracksetta gauges are about twice a long as Ribbonrail which are uner 5".
I find the Tracksetta easier to use -- they slide between the rails easier. Ribbonrail are a bit tighter and I think the ends aren't rounded off.
Fastracks is Canadian and I haven't needed to buy any.
I'm not sure about the MDF. I feel that it's impossible to put pins in without pre-drilling. Roadbed might make the helix quieter but takes up vertical space.
On my layout I'm gluing down the track and roadbed, but I still have to use pins (not through the ties) to hold the curves in shape. I'm using WS Foam glue under the roadbed and Scenic Cement under the ties.
Tracksetta
Ribbonrail
Fastracks.
I own examples of the first two. Tracksetta is British and may not be easily available. Ribbonrail is American. Both of these fit inside the rails. Ribbonrail comes in more sizes -- I think they have 2" increments in radii. Tracksetta is more like 6" or even a foot or more. Tracksetta gauges are about twice a long as Ribbonrail which are uner 5".
I find the Tracksetta easier to use -- they slide between the rails easier. Ribbonrail are a bit tighter and I think the ends aren't rounded off.
Fastracks is Canadian and I haven't needed to buy any.
I'm not sure about the MDF. I feel that it's impossible to put pins in without pre-drilling. Roadbed might make the helix quieter but takes up vertical space.
On my layout I'm gluing down the track and roadbed, but I still have to use pins (not through the ties) to hold the curves in shape. I'm using WS Foam glue under the roadbed and Scenic Cement under the ties.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.