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Having been around quite a few first time model train layouts with sectional track there is a reoccurring situation that bears spot lighting.

Sectional curved track is available in a variety of circle sizes with differing quantity of sections required to complete a circle or part of a circle.  Plus there is available a selection of half curved pieces in certain size ranges of different brands.

The purpose of this post is to draw attention to situations where very well meaning folks new to the hobby use too many sections of curve track or too few sections of curve track & sometimes with a mix of half pieces  to execute  a curve that exceeds or does not meet the degrees of curvature needed, not to mention the uneven travel of the train,

This can cause damaged rail joiners or enlarged tubular track pin holes both working against a solid connection and conduction of electricity.

So prior to laying the track, I would suggest to group your curve track into piles of same size pieces and check your track's manufacture to see how many sections of which size are required to make a circle.

I would suggest that unless you know what you are doing in assembling a spiral easement only use the same size curve track sections in each corner.

Fudging sectional track is not in one's best interest.  Opinions based in experience.

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One thing I have learned through a couple layouts, and applies to tubular track (like Lionel or Menards), is to use a Volt Meter on ohms setting, or a simple battery/light bulb/wire lash up to check that there is no short from the center rail to the outer rails. Easy to find/fix when you have individual sections of track in hand - could be hours of work to find a shorted section of track after the layout is put together.

If you're using less-than-new track, have a pair of track pliers handy.  Reform the track ends so the pins fit snugly.  I do this every time we assemble a modular layout and the free-form holiday layouts.  +1 on frequent continuity/short testing.

Tubular curves are flex track (within limits) and I have cut half sections so I can squeeze an O72 to less than 6 ft diameter.  Most O72 locos handle the squeezed curves.

I have a lot of O54 and O42.  Some of the O54s always find their way into the O42 box when helpers pull the layout apart after a show, so I have to double check based on track length the next time it is used.  Add Menards O36 to the track mix and some interesting curves can be assembled.

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