Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack · All Rights reserved · E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
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The BendTrack Manual -- Trackwork Standards
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Both mainlines are required to use Flex or sectional Atlas, Peco, or Micro
Engineering track, either (nominal) code 80, 70 or 55 rail, all of which are available
through your local hobby dealer or online retailer. All have been proven to work reliably in
the past. Neither of the two mainlines shall be hand laid track, thus reducing the chance of
variation in the gauge and assuring more reliable operation for everyone in a group
setup.
If you wish to use code 55 flex track, you will need to use a small stretch of Atlas
sectional track approximately 1" to 2" in length at the ends of each mainline. Don't use a
piece of flex track for this as the rails will be loose. Sectional track will keep the rails held
securely in place and in gauge even if it is only 2" long. This short piece of Atlas track is
needed because code 55 track is thinner overall and won't join properly with the
connector tracks which are Atlas 5" straight sectional track (code 80). The use of this
section will allow the joiner track between modules to mate with track that has the exact
same profile. By using shims (cardboard, styrene, etc) to gradually raise the code 55
track, the rail heads can be made flush with that of the Atlas section at the ends of each
mainline. Also, Micro Engineering and Atlas will not join directly with a rail joiner without a
noticeable mismatch in the elevation of the top of the railhead. This is separate from, but
in addition to, the tie thickness difference. Please refer to the "Tips and Techniques"
page for joining code 55 to code 80 rails, as well as other helpful information.
Mainline Specifications
To ensure easy set-up & trouble free operation,
accurate track placement is crucial. Position of the tracks
is as follows: Mainline #1 is the main farther from the
center of the bench work and Mainline #2 is the main
closer to the center of the bench work. To position the
mains at each end you first find the center of the 2 foot
wide module and measure out both directions 8 1/2" to the
center line of main two and 10" out to the center of main
one. This should leave 2" from the center of main one to
the front edge of the module.
The 1 1/2" of space between the two mainlines may be widened within the confines of the module to accommodate more track such as a yards, industries or other scenery, but should not go below this minimum in order to insure proper clearance between equipment anywhere on the system.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
Track Code
Mainline Placement
PLEASE RESIST THE TEMPTATION to measure 2"
and 3 1/2" in from the outside edge of the module to locate
the track centerlines. We have found the chance for error in
alignment of mainlines from one module to another is
GREATLY REDUCED by measuring out from the centerline of the module. This is because the centerline, as a common point to align all mainlines from, prevents slight module width variations from becoming mainline alignment errors. One module's centerline will match another module's centerline even if the width of the two modules varies slightly. If this seems to be making a mountain out of a mole hill, please realize that you can't slide a module sideways to improve track alignment on one side without creating a misalignment on the other side if the mainlines were not located properly to begin with. Just a little care in the track laying stage will prevent any significant shimmy as a train crosses from one module to the next.
and 3 1/2" in from the outside edge of the module to locate
the track centerlines. We have found the chance for error in
alignment of mainlines from one module to another is
GREATLY REDUCED by measuring out from the centerline of the module. This is because the centerline, as a common point to align all mainlines from, prevents slight module width variations from becoming mainline alignment errors. One module's centerline will match another module's centerline even if the width of the two modules varies slightly. If this seems to be making a mountain out of a mole hill, please realize that you can't slide a module sideways to improve track alignment on one side without creating a misalignment on the other side if the mainlines were not located properly to begin with. Just a little care in the track laying stage will prevent any significant shimmy as a train crosses from one module to the next.
Mainline Clearance
Cork Roadbed
The use of cork roadbed is recommended, starting the roadbed at the end of the module and continuing across to the other end so that the roadbed stretches clear across the entire module. We have found that gluing the cork securely helps to prevent transit damage.
Grades & Inclines
The double track mainlines shall remain flat and level with no grades. There are no restrictions on any other tracks, so long as their grades or inclines don't interfere with the operation of the mainlines. If other tracks cross the mains, crossings should be level and true to the mainlines.
The Original "N"ovative Modular System
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To ensure easy set-up & trouble free operation, accurate track placement is crucial.
Position of the tracks is as follows: Mainline #1 is the main farther from the center of the
bench work and Mainline #2 is the main closer to the center of the bench work. To
position the mains at each end you first find the center of the 2 foot wide module and
measure out both directions 8 1/2" to the center line of main two and 10" out to the center
of main one. This should leave 2" from the center of main one to the front edge of the
module.
PLEASE RESIST THE TEMPTATION to measure 2" and 3 1/2" in from the outside edge of the module to locate the track centerlines. We have found the chance for error in alignment of mainlines from one module to another is GREATLY REDUCED by measuring out from the centerline of the module. This is because the centerline, as a common point to align all mainlines from, prevents slight module width variations from becoming mainline alignment errors. One module's centerline will match another module's centerline even if the width of the two modules varies slightly. If this seems to be making a mountain out of a mole hill, please realize that you can't slide a module sideways to improve track alignment on one side without creating a misalignment on the other side if the mainlines were not located properly to begin with. Just a little care in the track laying stage will prevent any significant shimmy as a train crosses from one module to the next.
The 1 1/2" of space between the two mainlines may be widened within the confines of the module to accommodate more track such as a yards, industries or other scenery, but should not go below this minimum in order to insure proper clearance between equipment anywhere on the system.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
The Original "N"ovative
Modular System
Modular System
Both mainlines are required to use
Flex or sectional Atlas, Peco, or Micro
Engineering track, either (nominal) code
80, 70 or 55 rail, all of which are available
through your local hobby dealer or online
retailer. All have been proven to work
reliably in the past. Neither of the two
mainlines shall be hand laid track, thus
reducing the chance of variation in the
gauge and assuring more reliable
operation for everyone in a group setup.
If you wish to use code 55 flex track,
you will need to use a small stretch of Atlas
sectional track approximately 1" to 2" in
length at the ends of each mainline. Don't
use a piece of flex track for this as the rails
will be loose. Sectional track will keep the
rails held securely in place and in gauge
even if it is only 2" long. This short piece of
Atlas track is needed because code 55
track is thinner overall and won't join
properly with the connector tracks which
are Atlas 5" straight sectional track (code
80). The use of this section will allow the
joiner track between modules to mate with
track that has the exact same profile. By
using shims (cardboard, styrene, etc) to
gradually raise the code 55 track, the rail
heads can be made flush with that of the
Atlas section at the ends of each mainline.
Also, Micro Engineering and Atlas will not
join directly with a rail joiner without a
noticeable mismatch in the elevation of the
top of the railhead. This is separate from,
but in addition to, the tie thickness
difference. Please refer to the "Tips and
Techniques" page for joining code 55 to
code 80 rails, as well as other helpful
information.
To ensure easy set-up & trouble free
operation, accurate track placement is
crucial. Position of the tracks is as follows:
Mainline #1 is the main farther from the
center of the bench work and Mainline #2
is the main closer to the center of the
bench work. To position the mains at each
end you first find the center of the 2 foot
wide module and measure out both
directions 8 1/2" to the center line of main
two and 10" out to the center of main one.
This should leave 2" from the center of
main one to the front edge of the module.
PLEASE RESIST THE TEMPTATION to measure 2" and 3 1/2" in from the outside edge of the module to locate the track centerlines. We have found the chance for error in alignment of mainlines from one module to another is GREATLY REDUCED by measuring out from the centerline of the module. This is because the centerline, as a common point to align all mainlines from, prevents slight module width variations from becoming mainline alignment errors. One module's centerline will match another module's centerline even if the width of the two modules varies slightly. If this seems to be making a mountain out of a mole hill, please realize that you can't slide a module sideways to improve track alignment on one side without creating a misalignment on the other side if the mainlines were not located properly to begin with. Just a little care in the track laying stage will prevent any significant shimmy as a train crosses from one module to the next.
The 1 1/2" of space between the two mainlines may be widened within the confines of the module to accommodate more track such as a yards, industries or other scenery, but should not go below this minimum in order to insure proper clearance between equipment anywhere on the system.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
If tunnels, bridges or any structures extending over the mainline are to be used, make sure that there is easy access in order to retrieve any derailment which might occur. There should be sufficient clearance for high or wide equipment such as double stack containers, 89' flatcars, 85 foot "hi-cubes" and passenger cars. Please note that double stack container cars are taller than passenger cars, hi-cube box cars and TOFC's (trailer on flat cars), and will need more height clearance than what is normally considered adequate, keep this in mind if you have any members who model the modern era. It's generally considered better to err slightly towards exaggerated clearance, especially if these are to be used in a club, group or train show setting.
The use of cork roadbed is recommended, starting the roadbed at the end of the module and continuing across to the other end so that the roadbed stretches clear across the entire module. We have found that gluing the cork securely helps to prevent transit damage.
Both mainlines are required to use
Flex or sectional Atlas, Peco, or Micro
Engineering track, either (nominal) code
80, 70 or 55 rail, all of which are available
through your local hobby dealer or online
retailer. All have been proven to work
reliably in the past. Neither of the two
mainlines shall be hand laid track, thus
reducing the chance of variation in the
gauge and assuring more reliable
operation for everyone in a group setup.
If you wish to use code 55 flex track,
you will need to use a small stretch of Atlas
sectional track approximately 1" to 2" in
length at the ends of each mainline. Don't
use a piece of flex track for this as the rails
will be loose. Sectional track will keep the
rails held securely in place and in gauge
even if it is only 2" long. This short piece of
Atlas track is needed because code 55
track is thinner overall and won't join
properly with the connector tracks which
are Atlas 5" straight sectional track (code
80). The use of this section will allow the
joiner track between modules to mate with
track that has the exact same profile. By
using shims (cardboard, styrene, etc) to
gradually raise the code 55 track, the rail
heads can be made flush with that of the
Atlas section at the ends of each mainline.
Also, Micro Engineering and Atlas will not
join directly with a rail joiner without a
noticeable mismatch in the elevation of the
top of the railhead. This is separate from,
but in addition to, the tie thickness
difference. Please refer to the "Tips and
Techniques" page for joining code 55 to
code 80 rails, as well as other helpful
information.
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Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
Both mainlines are required to use Flex or sectional Atlas, Peco, or Micro Engineering track, either (nominal) code 80, 70
or 55 rail, all of which are available through your local hobby dealer or online retailer. All have been proven to work reliably in the
past. Neither of the two mainlines shall be hand laid track, thus reducing the chance of variation in the gauge and assuring more
reliable operation for everyone in a group setup.
If you wish to use code 55 flex track, you will need to use a small stretch of Atlas sectional track approximately 1" to 2" in
length at the ends of each mainline. Don't use a piece of flex track for this as the rails will be loose. Sectional track will keep the
rails held securely in place and in gauge even if it is only 2" long. This short piece of Atlas track is needed because code 55
track is thinner overall and won't join properly with the connector tracks which are Atlas 5" straight sectional track (code 80). The
use of this section will allow the joiner track between modules to mate with track that has the exact same profile. By using shims
(cardboard, styrene, etc) to gradually raise the code 55 track, the rail heads can be made flush with that of the Atlas section at
the ends of each mainline. Also, Micro Engineering and Atlas will not join directly with a rail joiner without a noticeable mismatch
in the elevation of the top of the railhead. This is separate from, but in addition to, the tie thickness difference. Please refer to the
"Tips and Techniques" page for joining code 55 to code 80 rails, as well as other helpful information.
