Bachmann G gauge track

[sonsteve]

Does anyone know why Bachmann doesn't make more sizes and curve radii in G scale than they do and/or how do you make your own if your layout requires a shorter straight or curve?

[Sleeping Bear]

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,14813.0.html     Here is a link to a discussion that was had on a similar topic. You could also search for the word track on this board, just limit your search to large scale.        Hope this helps........S.B.

[sonsteve]

Thanks S.B., that led me into some good discussion. Apparently Bachmann is letting others take over the track turf--that's ok with me. But since I own so much of their existing stock, I guess I could use some specific advice on how to properly modify some of their existing track (i.E. shortening a straight section). I hack sawed several using microblades but despite my best filing technique, they all come out to rough and distorted (not able to keep the blade in place). Any thoughts?

[Sleeping Bear]

  My only thought at this point would be either a razor saw and a light touch or a Dremel w/ a cut off wheel and again, a light touch as well as a steady, slow hand. I have seen track snips, but being hollow rail, distortion would still come through.  I haven't really played with it much but one would think that if you could get the rail joiner out of a piece of track (or just use another piece of track) you could use it s a sort of anvil to re shape the distorted rail a little.  As I sit here thinking , It keeps coming to me that if you think your touch is light enough and your hand slow enough, you still need to let up quite a bit. As for the blade not staying.... crazy glue would be the cheapest way I can think of.   Hope this helps.........Later All.......S.B.

[sonsteve]

My thanks again--hadn't thought of the Dremel--will give it a shot. Anyway, grateful for the input and interest. Be well! Rail forever!! ;-)

[Sleeping Bear]

  O.K.    so I was thinking about this situation and thought....I've got a Dremel w/ cut off wheel and a piece of Bachmann track that I cut off to make a display track for a commemorative car I built. Lets see the difference between the Dremel and the hacksaw I used the first time.....Dremel IS the way to go. Keep your RPM up, your pressure light and your hand slow. For the very little clean up of the edges, I used an ignition file(pretty fine teeth).  Just keep your cut square and your fingers clear.    Later All....S.B.

[on30gn15]

keep your cut square and your fingers clear.

That is a quotable quote!

Think that will become a sig line here in a few moments on The Rocketry Forum 

[sonsteve]

Again many thanks!!
Rails forever!! ;-)