Gargraves Track

I think it's because they are all three rails are cut the same length then when they are bent into a curve each rail is then a different length because of the bend. You'll probably have to square them up with a dremel tool or hack saw.

Paul

You will also notice that due to the cutting machine, the ends of the tracks have a slight dip to them. If you connect two straights, place a straightedge on the top of the rail. You will see that the joint dips down. I sometimes will place a shim at that point so when I screw the track down, it will reduce the dip.

I also have a small one inch continuous belt sander which I use to true up the ends of the track.

All reasons why I've switched to Ross sectional curve track. Good luck

I don't trim on a curve at all. I will square it up at the next switch or well into a straight section. As the inside and center rails grow, I will start the next section on to the curve and go to the end and tap all rails back with a wood block, threading them into the ties of the peice before. I bend as I go against a jig for the curve, bending and screwing as I go and always tapping the rails back to keep the previous joints tight. When finished, none of the joints line up and this helps keep the curve from kinking. Each rail joint has 2 rails with no joint along side and this way it makes a smoother curve.

Gary you have a good point. You get what you pay for. I was hoping there was a reason for it, rather than poor quality. What would it take to square off the ends? I'm finished buying track for now, but in the future it will be Ross.

David
MGB

quote:

What would it take to square off the ends? I'm finished buying track for now, but in the future it will be Ross.

I also have a small one inch continuous belt sander which I use to true up the ends of the track.

LOL, when I said what would it take I meant what would it take for Gargraves to square up the ends.

Oh, sorry. Call Don Roder at Gargraves and maybe he can explain. I would have to guess the machinery is old and they have been making it that way since they began making track.

By the way, have you ever been to our museum?

I use Gargraves BUT I use Ross sectional track whenever and wherever I can.

I don't like the Gargrave continuous track skirt that fits into the ties. As to cutting I use this


Proxxon Mini Chop Miter Saw




The track ties just fits the uppermost notch in the clamp. Cuts perfectly vertical with a grinder cut-off wheel. Adjusts for any angle as well.

I don't know why the gargraves sectional track that you gentlemen have is not square?

I currently have gargraves sectional O-42, O-54, and O-63 on my layout, and for all this track, the center rail was cut square with the outer rails.

I have been so please with my gargraves track that when I redo the layout later this year, I will be purchasing gargraves O-72 and O-80 sectional curves.

Jim