SM32 Clamps

Afterburned · 16 Mar 2018

Newbie alert!

I have a nice new MSS loco that is starting to steam up nicely, and a few lengths of Peco SL-900 SM32 flexi track.
In my testing so far when making a curve the rails kink at the join. I think clamps are the way to go (not sure about a track bender as I may try several variations before settling on a design), but cannot find any for SM32.
Will pretty much any clamp work? Has anyone used a clamp on SM32 and can vouch for it?
Only looking for physical joins, not electrical connectivity at the moment.
Thanks in advance!

stockers · 16 Mar 2018

The width of the foot of the rail is quite a bit smaller on Peco 32mm track - I very much doubt a 45mm one will close enough.

Afterburned · 16 Mar 2018

Found this on O gauge - https://www.familygardentrains.com/primer/o_gauge_outside/bob_canfield/canfield6.htm
will email split-jaw and see what they think.

GAP · 17 Mar 2018

Use slide on joiners then solder them, makes a nice solid joint that is strong enough be on a bend and wont kink.
Did that on mine by making the joiners out of sheet brass.

stockers · 17 Mar 2018

I have added Split Jaw to the 'Links' section.

TLR · 17 Mar 2018

With flexi track on bends you can stagger the joints so the sleepers help support the rail as well as the joiner

Shaun

Rhinochugger · 17 Mar 2018

Afterburned said:
Newbie alert!

I have a nice new MSS loco that is starting to steam up nicely, and a few lengths of Peco SL-900 SM32 flexi track.
In my testing so far when making a curve the rails kink at the join. I think clamps are the way to go (not sure about a track bender as I may try several variations before settling on a design), but cannot find any for SM32.
Will pretty much any clamp work? Has anyone used a clamp on SM32 and can vouch for it?
Only looking for physical joins, not electrical connectivity at the moment.
Thanks in advance!

This is one area where the larger gauges don't mimic the smaller gauges.

While I agree that staggering the joints will help, the only real way to avoid the kink is to curve the end of the rail with a rail bender. While I'm slightly averse to rail benders, becasue the one I have is not the easiest to use, I'm afraid it is the only sure-fire way to do it.

Greg Elmassian · 17 Mar 2018

The dual rail benders are very easy to use. Some people do have problems, trying to bend too much at once. I used one to bend stainless, and that's the toughest.

Greg

aceinsp · 17 Mar 2018

I also use the duel rail bender and use it on all my SS rail. Works good just take your time and don't try to bend to much at one time. Later RJD

PhilP · 17 Mar 2018

What make are the dual rail benders please?

Do they bend with the sleepers (ties) on? - Thinking.......... Stupid question!

First question still stands though..

Oh, and does the supplier do differing rollers for differing rail sections?
AND
Do you need a different dual rail bender for 32mm and 45mm (or is it adjustable)?

Thanks,
PhilP.

stockers · 17 Mar 2018

Massoth do one -

'The Massoth patented Track Bender II is designed to work with track that conforms to track Code 332. It simultaneously and effortlessly bends both rails and the bed of flexible G-Scale track to almost any desired track radius; the smallest possible track radius is 30cm. With a simple, no tools required conversion, the Track Bender II can also work with track that conforms to track code 250.'

http://www.allaboutlgb.com/massoth track bender g.html

SM32 Clamps

Afterburned

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stockers

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Afterburned

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GAP

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