My current 4 x 8 layout utilizes Realtrax. I would like to redo the layout with ScaleTrax but my track planning software (RailModeller Pro) only has a RealTrax track library. Except for the lack of an O42 curve, it seems that there is a one-for-one exchange between the two versions of track. I'm thinking I could go with the 30" Flex track in ScaleTrax as a substitute for the O42 curves. What am I missing. New to the forum. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
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As far as I can tell, the answer is Yes. However, the number of ScaleTrax pieces to make some arcs differs. For example, RealTrax O54 curves are 45° (12 to make a circle) while ScaleTrax are 22.5° (16 to make a circle). The only problem will be bending the FlexTrack to O42 curves because it's not as pliable as HO track. To help with that you might want to review the procedures for bending GarGraves flex.
Gargraves flex track is very difficult to bend. Scaletrax is extremely simple to bend. Easier even than HO.
fredswain posted:Gargraves flex track is very difficult to bend. Scaletrax is extremely simple to bend. Easier even than HO.
How tight have you bent ScaleTrax? I played with bending it to O42 and it seemed like there was a lot of tension. Once I get my decking done, I'll be trying again even though my current plan is to use GarGraves for my garage layout and I hope to use ScaleTrax for the craft room layout.
Thanks Dave for the good information. I am hoping I can bend the ScaleTrax FlexTrax to O42.
Gramps45 posted:Thanks Dave for the good information. I am hoping I can bend the ScaleTrax FlexTrax to O42.
I have little doubt that you can, just take your time and review the video techniques, and I hope you'll let me know how it goes. One tip I've read is to not start on the curve when laying the track, but start about 6" before the curve to get a good anchor point. The good folks at GarGraves told me that all their sectional curves are manually bent using the techniques in the video on their website and that includes their O32 curves. I assume the templates they use are quite a bit better than what I'll make, but I still I plan on bending GarGraves to O36 and O45 in the garage. I also plan on bending ScaleTrax as tight as O36 in the craft room. I'd use ScaleTrax for both, but they don't make the switches I need. I've been told Ross switches work just fine, they just have to be shimmed so the rail heights will match. Before I order the GarGraves track, I'm going to experiment with the 10 pieces of ScaleTrax I have. I get kind of stubborn when someone says I can't do something and should use Atlas sectional track if I want O36/O45 curves. That may turn out to be true, but I have to at least try for myself. MikeCT also has experience bending GarGraves, so you might look for his posts to see how he did things. The techniques should be the same regardless of the brand of track.
It may be a month or so but I'll definitely let you know how it goes.
And I'll do the same if I get to it first.
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