 Joined: 15/12/2015(UTC) Posts: 523 Location: Maryland, Baltimore
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On my current Marklin track plan, I am using C track for the majority of the layout. On the bridges only, I will be using K track as I don't want ballast on the bridges. I can sub 5 pieces of K straight track sections ( 3- 2200, 1- 2209 and 1- 2201) to cover the area that will be on the bridges. My other choice is to use one piece of K flex track to cover the entire area and cut it to fit. When I compare the prices for the 5 sections vs. the single piece of flex track the price is close enough to not be an issue.
What do you all recommend or does it really make any difference?
Thanks for the advice.
Chuck
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 Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
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It depends on whether you are dealing with straight or curved bridges. In your case where you are specifying straight track it doesn't really matter except you have more track joints if you go with the sectional pieces. Therefore, from an appearance point of view I would go with the flex track.
If on the other hand you were dealing with curved bridges I would definitely go with the flex track. It gives you a little more leeway when it comes to adjustments for long passenger cars that may rub on handrails.
Peter
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Joined: 15/10/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,319 Location: Washington, Pacific Northwest
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I'd opt for the flex track as it will allow you to fit a bit that is exactly the right length; though you dont mention how your joining the C-K (Marklin transition pieces or straight joins? |
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Joined:: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,227 Location: Montreal, QC
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You wouldn't be subbing 5 sections of K-track, but either 5 sections of K-Track and 2 adapter tracks or 3 sections of K-Track and 2 adapter tracks.
The height difference between M or C and K requires a certain length to drop the track from the ballasted level to the ground.
It would be nice if Maerklin made a C to M adapter that was only 90mm long, as this would make the transition more feasible in a lot of cases.
It would also be nice if the current C to M adapter section did not switch from C profile to K profile as the C profile is much closer to the M rails.
Regards
Mike C
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 Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,768 Location: Brisbane, Queensland
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Originally Posted by: mike c  The height difference between M or C and K requires a certain length to drop the track from the ballasted level to the ground.
Regards
Mike C In this case you have the bridge at the height of the K track (that is, 5mm higher than the C track level), so there would be no incline section. Originally Posted by: skeeterbuck
What do you all recommend or does it really make any difference?
Thanks for the advice.
Chuck
I would go fixed K track pieces and not use the flex (speaking from experience). The fixed K track pieces will hold straight and have connectors, while the flex will have a bit of a flop to it and would require cutting and attaching connectors (which also means buying a connector kit) If there is no curvature required, you should always use straight track pieces. |
modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany |
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Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
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Originally Posted by: applor
If there is no curvature required, you should always use straight track pieces.
I don't necessarily agree with that. If we were discussing C track I would agree. However, we are discussing K track which I use extensively. I certainly get a much straighter appearing track when I use flex track rather than 5 sections of straight track. The K track connectors do not always align evenly and even when you solder the joints it takes a greater effort to create a straight section appearance. For that reason I use flex track across all of my bridges, straight or curved. Peter
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Joined:: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,227 Location: Montreal, QC
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Originally Posted by: applor Originally Posted by: mike c The height difference between M or C and K requires a certain length to drop the track from the ballasted level to the ground.
Regards
Mike C In this case you have the bridge at the height of the K track (that is, 5mm higher than the C track level), so there would be no incline section. I was referring to the fact that it would not technically be possible to design a C to K adapter track with a length of 90mm due to the need to drop from C-Track ballasted height to K Track's Ties only level. Regards Mike C
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 Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,594 Location: Spain
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The flexible K-track bends very badly even to R5. It´s extremely rigid!
Should only be used for special cases and soft curves. You bridge is problably neither.
I would use sectional -K-track and K-track type bridges (if you are using Märklin briudges anyway). I would also "adapt" the track ends to meet with the C-track. (=basically cutting off connection toungues), and carefully file the high K-track profile down to the same height as the C-track. (Or in some other way assure that the upper level of the track is alligned)
Actually, You could also opt for not using K-track at all, but get your hands on some 2-rail track with the same profile as M´s C-track. (is it Code 83?). -and then lay a home-made center cunductor in the middle... I suppose this method would only be suitable for straight track bridges... |
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Joined: 15/12/2015(UTC) Posts: 523 Location: Maryland, Baltimore
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Just to clarify some points, I'm using the C to K track adapter sections. The height differences between the roadbed on the C track vs just the ties on the K track won't be a problem because this will be a permanent layout and I can adjust the scenery foam to compensate for the difference and just ballast underneath the K track to blend one type of track into the other.
I was more concerned with the possibility of current loss between the sections of K track connectors vs a single piece of flex track. I was also contemplating the idea of soldering the sections of K track together, but I'm aware that soldering the K track can present its own set of issues.
Chuck
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 Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC) Posts: 3,998 Location: Paremata, Wellington
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Originally Posted by: skeeterbuck Just to clarify some points, I'm using the C to K track adapter sections. The height differences between the roadbed on the C track vs just the ties on the K track won't be a problem because this will be a permanent layout and I can adjust the scenery foam to compensate for the difference and just ballast underneath the K track to blend one type of track into the other.
I was more concerned with the possibility of current loss between the sections of K track connectors vs a single piece of flex track. I was also contemplating the idea of soldering the sections of K track together, but I'm aware that soldering the K track can present its own set of issues.
Chuck I was wondering this myself through the previous replies. 5 sections vs 1, each join is a potential resistance, perhaps not so much when newly assembled, but several months or even years on quite possibly. If you are able to use flex sections without any cutting (with the factory connectors remaining attached), that's what I'd go for, at least four times more reliable, electrically speaking  Cheers. |
Cookee Wellington  |
 1 user liked this useful post by cookee_nz
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Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
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Originally Posted by: skeeterbuck Just to clarify some points, I'm using the C to K track adapter sections. The height differences between the roadbed on the C track vs just the ties on the K track won't be a problem because this will be a permanent layout and I can adjust the scenery foam to compensate for the difference and just ballast underneath the K track to blend one type of track into the other.
I was more concerned with the possibility of current loss between the sections of K track connectors vs a single piece of flex track. I was also contemplating the idea of soldering the sections of K track together, but I'm aware that soldering the K track can present its own set of issues.
Chuck Soldering the K track connections is not a problem. You do not need a flux and you only have to solder the centre rail connector tongues. You do not need to solder the tie plates. If you have to cut the flex track length and add a 7595 connector at the cut end, then there is a little bit more modification and soldering, but it really is not a big issue. In my opinion well worth it.
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Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,594 Location: Spain
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Yeah, what PMPeter says; I solder all my K-tracks together. No issues there. Usually en sections of 2 meteres length, with its own power-cable attached.
It is only the center-conductor that I solder. Additional "ground" can be soldered to one of the track-shoes.
As the O.P. states he is using adapter-tracks (yikes...) and the layout is permanent, there are really no concerns about conductivity, unless the bridges are of several meters of length.
I would just use standard sectional K-track. THEORETICALLY the flexible track has a higher resistence, as the center-conductor is zig-zagged underneath the sleepers! |
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Joined: 15/12/2015(UTC) Posts: 523 Location: Maryland, Baltimore
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I think I'll try the sectional track and solder them all together before laying them on the bridges. I plan on weathering them anyway and I think it will be easier if I'm working with just one long piece of track.
Thanks for the thoughtful input.
Chuck
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