Never having laid any Flex trax, save for short straight pieces for displays, I was wondering what is the best method for cutting the rails---nippers, saw???  Are the jigs that hold sections together while soldering really useful???  What are the critical tools to have when laying flex track?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.
Chris

...thank you for the information.  Excuse my ignorance, but if flex track is used, could I not build a curve with any size radius, such as 20", and not use an industry standard like 18 or 22"?  Would there be any potential problem with doing this???

Chris

I am planning a small layout (approx 4'x10') and I am thinking about using simple push rod operated switch controls.  I've seen them in Walthers, but know very little about them.  Can anyone make recommendations on brands, or some important do's and don'ts when it comes to switch controls?

Thanks
Chris

Jonathan, thanks for the glue information.  Do you solder the joints on your EZ track?

Chris

How is a radius measured in terms of track (I know what radius is)?---From center of track to center of track?  Essentially I am trying to plan how wide an area an 18" radius or 22" radius will consume.

thanks
Chris

I just an ad in the Model Railroader magazine that features EZ-track that has been covered with a ballast gravel that looks much more realistic than the plastic roadbed.  What would be the best type of glue to attach ballast gravel to the plastic roadbed? 

Chris

If you were going to use true track or ez track and wanted to cover the plastic roadbed with a ballast gravel, what type of glue would work best?

Thanks for the feedback.  I was not sure what the powder was for.  Did not think about cinders.  I would have expected Bachmann to include a little more information in their paperwork that came with the engines.  As for rubbing it on your face, I've spent enough time working in a coal fired blacksmith shop, so I think I will pass.

Chris

Does anybody know what the little bag of brown-ish powder is for that is included with Spectrum Locomotives? 

CH

I have a DCC ready three truck shay that I want to install a decoder in, and Possibly add sound.  I've never done either.  Any tips?  Any recommendations on the best sound decoder to use? 

CH

Does anybody know the build dates on the currently produced 40' single dome tank cars in the Silver Series.  Models such as 17832, 17840, or 17828, (Texaco, Phillips 66, and GRAMPS)?  Trying to figure out what era they work for.

CH