The Mk1 belly-bender is a frequently used tool. The only drawback with this method is that it is difficult to get the curve right to the end of the piece of track - you end up with a more prototypical transition curve which is OK unless you want to join to another curve.
It can be a lot easier to slide the rail out, and bend one piece at a time. I did have a second hand rail bender whcih I used to damage my fingers with while attempting to curve track, and resorted to belly-bending, and producing the sort of wiggly track that you generally only see on narrow gauge railways and US short lines
Max mentioned the webs - Peco flexi track in the small gauges relies on a broken web every other gap, alternating with the opposite side. Easy enough to replicate.