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I am about to venture into bending track for the first time. I have a number of longer sections of regular straight track available to me. So...

Is it OK to bend regular code 332 straight track segments, such as Aristo or LGB, with a dual rail bender? Since the track wasn't made as "flex track" what extra steps should you take before bending (i.e., screw removal, joiner removal, tie strip mods, etc) Is there a minimum radius? How do you get a consistent radius all the way to the ends of the track segment that you are bending?

Any tips or advice on the art of bending track would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dennis

Dennis,

The rail is exactly the same. The tie strips may be different. If the tie strip is screwed to the rails, you need to remove the screws. Also, the litle plastic web that connects the ties to each other may need to be cut every 2 or 3 ties (depending on how tight the curve is) so the tie strips can curve. If you have the kind of railbender that only does one rail at a time you'll be taking the tie strips off anyway. But some folks who have the kind of railbender that will do two rails at a time fail to notice (at first) that the tie strips are fastened to the rails or that they have no "give," because they're molded in a straight line.

Best of luck, Dennis, keep us posted. Before, during, and after photos would be especially nice - Paul