Bill -
| QUOTE: I've started on the tracks and that explains a lot. Is the problem you're talking about on the winter extension pieces? |
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Yes ..... those are the culprits.
| QUOTE: If so, would it be better to just build up the tracks using just the regular ends? |
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Yes again ... the alignment holes are much better.
QUOTE: Also, did you come up with a sure fire way to keep all those stupid ends aligned properly? No matter how carefully I try, mine keep pointing every which way!
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I always work them in groups of 2 links / 2 end connectors at a time. Build a whole pile of pairs. Always checking to make sure they are flat. I use my desk top and press down right after gluing with a steel straight edge to ensure they are flat.
After building pairs, I then move on to making quads by joining the pairs together. Same procedure as above but now I really start to watch the alignment. I use my straightedge for that too before the glue sets.
Now I measure the distance for a full run of tracks. For example, the distance between the front road wheel and the rear road wheel, center to center. Using the quads, I will build this length with one or two singles that will be needed. Always check allignment and make sure they are flat.
Move on to the other lengths.
Use the drive sprocket and idler to determine your curved pieces.
Piece together the balance.
Most people use a slow curing glue for this, I'm a little demented, I use CA.
Monktrade -
| QUOTE: I was planning on doing the old home-made jig and tape method on the tracks. Are they bad enough that even with them fixed in said "rig" during construction they will curve? |
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The jig might work, I've never used one myself so can't really say. What I did was snip off the allignment pins every so often to make the track go straight.
Happy Modelling and God Bless
Robert