Replacement Track NW UK

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Martin01

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Hi

I maintain a layout which needs replacement track. its above a restaurant and runs for around 8 hrs a day.
Would anyone be able to advise me on the most suitable replacement track and possibly the best place to purchase it from?
It has bee replaced before with Flex track which seems to have worn out quite quickly.
There are four radii two of which appear to be 2m but there are two more which I am not sure how to calculate.
The track is in the NW of England.
 

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I would go for Piko or LGB, both do a flextrack so you shoukd be able to match the curves. A rail bender would be a big help. Massoth do one that curves both rails at the same time saving hassle of removing rail from the sleepers, though the LGB Flex comes in rail and sleeper bundles. Finally I would suggest Track Clamps rather than normal rail joiners for reliability. Massoth do track clamps that are easily fitted with a screwdriver.

You will likely need to get rail by mail order. Following should help.
Garden Railway Specialists Princess Risborough.
There is a shop in Glasgow.
Topslots at Blackpool (mail order only and sells Piko)

Sure more suppliers listed by others in the forum, they are the ones off the top of my head as it were.
 
Its looking as though flex track will be better. Have you a favourite between Piko or LGB, which is likely to last longer?

And the will be quite a temperature change at different times of the day do track clamps allow for expansion?
 

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Martin01 said:
Hi

I maintain a layout which needs replacement track. its above a restaurant and runs for around 8 hrs a day.
Would anyone be able to advise me on the most suitable replacement track and possibly the best place to purchase it from?
It has bee replaced before with Flex track which seems to have worn out quite quickly.
There are four radii two of which appear to be 2m but there are two more which I am not sure how to calculate.
The track is in the NW of England.
Click to expand...
Semi-off topic but Is this Guys Restaurant near Garstang?
 
Martin01 said:
Its looking as though flex track will be better. Have you a favourite between Piko or LGB, which is likely to last longer?

And the will be quite a temperature change at different times of the day do track clamps allow for expansion?
Click to expand...
Depends on how you fix the track. If the track is left fairly loose, the expansion will cause the whole track to move, but leaving the joints firm
 
Have you considered reversing the rails? - So you are running on (what was) the outer edge of the rail..

You are going to have to strip it down to bend the rail anyway..
You would get a few more years out of the same rail then.

PhilP.
 
You will most likely find that the loco(s) minimum, will require new wheels/axles?
Probably worn idlers and worm-wheels, as well..

PhilP
 
I can recommend the Cliff Barker stainless track. Cliff Barker - Home

It's gauge widened, so will prevent excessive wear, and yes, LGB deep flanges will run on it, despite it being Gauge 1 rather than G Scale.

I have it around the garden and it still looks like new after 2 years in the elements.
 
Much as hate to say it (EDIT ‘PROBABLY’) Greg is right, but it will come at a cost. Not sure if LGB still supply Stailless Track any more.

EDIT after Jimmie’s enlightnmen.
 
Last edited:
dunnyrail said:
Much as hate to say it Greg is right, but it will come at a cost. Not sure if LGB still supply Stailless Track any more.
Click to expand...
Greg Elmassian said:
Also, nothing better for track power, never needs "cleaning", cannot oxidize.

Greg
Click to expand...
He maybe correct there, but he is incorrect in that Stainless Steel "cannot oxidize", it can, and does. First I have experience of this, and the www confirms this. Depending on the alloy components, the harder the steel the more likely to corrode, and softer steel is more corrosion resistant.
 
JimmyB said:
He maybe correct there, but he is incorrect in that Stainless Steel "cannot oxidize", it can, and does. First I have experience of this, and the www confirms this. Depending on the alloy components, the harder the steel the more likely to corrode, and softer steel is more corrosion resistant.
Click to expand...

I've seen the occasional discarded SS kitchen sink with mild surface rusty spots. :nerd:
 
Paradise said:
I've seen the occasional discarded SS kitchen sink with mild surface rusty spots. :nerd:
Click to expand...
Yes and we all know about so called stainless dishwasher safe cutlery with rust spots on I expect. But likely since the demise of Sheffield Stainless Steel, a quality product.
 
Not sure how hard-wearing it is for continuous use like the OP requires, but I quite liked the LGB nickel silver track. I suspect it isn't around any longer. Years ago, when LGB went bust, I mortgaged the kids and bought some leftover stock from the importers - it only seems to need a gentle wipe to keep in good order and so I use it in the places where I have trouble reaching with a cleaning block. That said, roll on the completion of batterification programme, when I won't have to bother any more.
 
There's Stainless Steel, and Stainless Steel, as everything you get what you pay for.
I must admit I don't really agree that you won't need to clean track if you go battery power. You obviously won't need to keep it spotless but it will still need a good scrub regularly to keep the crud from collecting and causing mayhem
 
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