hi paul all of my flexi track is going to used from my old layout regarding richard Everard junction he also respaced his sleepers to be prototypical ...............tony
Not only am I building a layout with secondhand track it is secondhand steel track. there is some Nickle Silver track including 25 lengths of Hornby Flexi-track. I was watching a Channel called From Trash to Track. He said during the problem that he was throwing new steel track. I have asked if I could have it. It was then that I saw the video was 3 months old. I am fitting new points and crossovers from Hornby. Good luck with your new build. Martin. (Thailand)
Hi Paul, I’ll be looking out for you and Julian at GETS, I’ll be there on Saturday, my first big show to, usually go down to my local show but the big shows usually fall on inconvenient dates! As for 2nd hand track, I think it should be fine, I’m really looking forward to the build, cheers for now Paul, John
Hi Paul, another interesting video and I look forward to seeing New Sandling Junction develop. If you have track use it 🙂Hope to see you at GETS. All the best Andrew
As (at a quick glance) everyone else has said, no problem re-using the track and points from the previous layout. I was going to suggest start by using it up in fiddle yards and hidden sidings, so if you need to buy new, it goes in areas on display, but I'm going to completely change my mind and reverse that, as I think at our age we want the hidden areas to be perfect and not needing maintenance/repair. One thing I'd suggest is making sure that any second hand track is in gauge and no rails have popped out of the chairs. Also make sure any lumps of glue/ballast underneath are removed, so that you don't introduce any unwanted little humps in the track: model trains, and especially their couplings, will find such imperfections far more easily than the human eye!! Similarly, if matching track of different vintages - even from the same manufacturer - it's worth checking that the the rail heights once laid match: I got caught out once putting a new Peco point into a stretch of concrete sleeper Streamline flex track that had been down about 30 years, as the new point sat slightly proud of the old track at first. My guess is that the plastic of the old concrete track had started to soften/denature with 30 odd years of running and exposure to the environment, and the rails had settled a bit. Of course, none of your old track is going to be that old.
I'm happy to have helped you refine your plan, and I'm looking forward to seeing it under construction in future. As far as using second hand track goes -- honestly it depends on what it is, what standard, and what condition it's in. A lot of "second hand" track hasn't actually been used before. I've bought "second-hand" before and found it still sealed in original boxes, having never seen a layout. Even where it has been laid previously, if it wasn't ballasted, it's probably still in perfect condition. The track you have there looks in great condition, so if you are happy with the Peco flat-bottom track range, then by all means use it. Personally I've decided 3.5mm/ft scale track isn't to be used in scenic areas on my layout, so I'm using only track with 4mm/ft scale sleepers in visible areas (that's all the bullhead ranges from various manufacturers, plus one type of Code 83 flat-bottom concrete sleeper track right now -- and there's no flat-bottom points whatsoever). In hidden areas, I have laid some reclaimed track that is in good condition, and honestly once it's down you can't really tell which is which.
Hi I have used my original track for Whitechapel Rd mark 2 i took my time and cleaned all of my used track and points (couldn’t save it all) It works very well cant see any difference Good luck
Only recently found your channel through Station Road so will be following the progress with New Sandling Junction with interest! Moving soon myself so will have dismantle and rebuild my layout so can understand a lot of where you are. Do get the point of not wanting to duck under things anymore so some of Julian and your ideas are very interesting. Not going as far a Charlie and helixes but definitely something I can walk into! As far as re-using track, as long as it is flat and the right width, re-use but be critical. As far cleaning ip, so what if you are going to ballast? Will be at GETS on the Sunday morning so would be fun if in a big room full of people I got meet Julian and yourself.
Hi Paul good to hear plans coming together for New Sandling Junction, I will be attending Folkestone but have made arrangements for the Saturday (its a pity would have enjoyed to meet up). Hope you have a great time at GETS and to meet up with Julian. I have only used new track still in the same house over 40 years and the layout is about 14 years old but when I have made the odd alteration I have reused after cleaning and checking (flex track code 75) with no issues, so if you have rail that is clean sleepers/chairs in tack why not. Looking forward to the start of the build for New Sandling Junction take care and stay safe regards Barry...
Paul, There is absolutely nothing wrong with using second -hand track. Just soak it in warm soapy water and then with a scrubbing brush give it a good clean, then gently rub 2000 grit sandpaper over the rails and it should be as good as new, because after it has been ballasted and weathered you will know it is second-hand track.. Cheers Greg
Interesting developments. Regarding the re-use of track, the plain sections should be okay, however for points I would be very careful….. Hopefully see you at the Folkestone show next month.
Great video. The old track is always good to be reused, has long has it looks alright, then go for it ahead even if you only use it in a sidings or fiddle yard.
I`m code 100, but the amount i`ve accumulated for the project I have in mind, most of the track is secondhand either unused or recovered, it really down to condition most of mine has not been ballasted, also a lot of turnouts are used or from my old layout, code 100 more durable than 75. I did buy a lot of weathered unsed turnouts and got caught as there all code 75 so no use to me, i`m keeping code 100 do to the mix and age of the fleet. I to am pushing the boat out and going to GETS for the weeken so hope to see you there.
Some of my track is on its 4th layout. If its in good condition no reason not to use it again. Hope I get a chance to meet yourself and Julian at GETS.
Looking forward to Folkestone exhibition. With regard to old track, my previous layout hadn't got to the ballasting stage before my wife decided she wanted to move. I have re-used all the points where possible (Peco code 100 electrofrogs) and they have given me no problems. I have quite a few left over, as the new layout is a lot smaller than the old one, so I am still undecided as to what to do with them. I didn't use the straight flexitrack, because I couldn't remember where I stored it all when we moved, and it was a few years between moving and starting on the new layout.
Looking forward to the new layout build, Julian has done a great job with the design. The space you have certainly makes the layout interesting. Are you going to be at Milton Keynes. Opps you've answered my question, I'm hoping to get there for the first time this year. I will definitely be at Folkstone again this year always a good local exhibition to support. Allan
I'm actually about to dismantle my layout move house and start again! I never thought about buying new track. My new layout will be 4 times the size and old track will be on lower level storage. But I am interested in peoples response to your question about reusing track.
If it is financially feasible you should talk to the guy that built the fiddle yard baseboards for Charlie after you get everything ready for that step
Great to hear you are you are going to GETs it will be nice to finally meet you. Ill be there on Saturday. Also that your layout will begin to take shape shortly. Ive used second hand track, even points. Obviously you need to make sure the rails are clean, the rails are seated in the chairs, track isnt twisted but I cannot see any reason why not. See how it goes, if you need to replace the odd point then youve still saved a fortune. I bought a piece of guttering with end caps and I use it specifically to clean track. Fairly cheap solution to quite a tricky problem.
Yes, I reused over 300 feet of code 100. I have no problems from that. Now how I reinstalled it is another story. 😅 Please don't throw away or sell. Prices are going up foe everthing.
hi paul all of my flexi track is going to used from my old layout regarding richard Everard junction he also respaced his sleepers to be prototypical ...............tony
Thanks Tony much appreciated, cheers P
Not only am I building a layout with secondhand track it is secondhand steel track. there is some Nickle Silver track including 25 lengths of Hornby Flexi-track. I was watching a Channel called From Trash to Track. He said during the problem that he was throwing new steel track. I have asked if I could have it. It was then that I saw the video was 3 months old. I am fitting new points and crossovers from Hornby. Good luck with your new build. Martin. (Thailand)
Oh wow that is full on, I wish you the very best with it, cheers P
All my track, at least the vast majority is second hand. I’d save myself the expense. See you at GETS. ALL THE BEST !!
Look forward to seeing you there, cheers P
Hi Paul, I’ll be looking out for you and Julian at GETS, I’ll be there on Saturday, my first big show to, usually go down to my local show but the big shows usually fall on inconvenient dates!
As for 2nd hand track, I think it should be fine, I’m really looking forward to the build, cheers for now Paul, John
I cant wait to get started and GETs cheers P
Look forward to seeing your journey of your new layout.
I can hardly wait to get on, cheers P
Hi Paul, another interesting video and I look forward to seeing New Sandling Junction develop. If you have track use it 🙂Hope to see you at GETS. All the best Andrew
I shall and yes will be at GETS see you there cheers P
As (at a quick glance) everyone else has said, no problem re-using the track and points from the previous layout. I was going to suggest start by using it up in fiddle yards and hidden sidings, so if you need to buy new, it goes in areas on display, but I'm going to completely change my mind and reverse that, as I think at our age we want the hidden areas to be perfect and not needing maintenance/repair.
One thing I'd suggest is making sure that any second hand track is in gauge and no rails have popped out of the chairs. Also make sure any lumps of glue/ballast underneath are removed, so that you don't introduce any unwanted little humps in the track: model trains, and especially their couplings, will find such imperfections far more easily than the human eye!! Similarly, if matching track of different vintages - even from the same manufacturer - it's worth checking that the the rail heights once laid match: I got caught out once putting a new Peco point into a stretch of concrete sleeper Streamline flex track that had been down about 30 years, as the new point sat slightly proud of the old track at first. My guess is that the plastic of the old concrete track had started to soften/denature with 30 odd years of running and exposure to the environment, and the rails had settled a bit. Of course, none of your old track is going to be that old.
All good points Andrew, I had thought about the fiddle yard bit and fully agree with you, cheers P
I'm happy to have helped you refine your plan, and I'm looking forward to seeing it under construction in future.
As far as using second hand track goes -- honestly it depends on what it is, what standard, and what condition it's in. A lot of "second hand" track hasn't actually been used before. I've bought "second-hand" before and found it still sealed in original boxes, having never seen a layout.
Even where it has been laid previously, if it wasn't ballasted, it's probably still in perfect condition.
The track you have there looks in great condition, so if you are happy with the Peco flat-bottom track range, then by all means use it.
Personally I've decided 3.5mm/ft scale track isn't to be used in scenic areas on my layout, so I'm using only track with 4mm/ft scale sleepers in visible areas (that's all the bullhead ranges from various manufacturers, plus one type of Code 83 flat-bottom concrete sleeper track right now -- and there's no flat-bottom points whatsoever).
In hidden areas, I have laid some reclaimed track that is in good condition, and honestly once it's down you can't really tell which is which.
Cheers James, I thin that it is clean, and unless it is obviously so, I will not use it. I will test well before I am conteneted with it, cheers P
Hi
I have used my original track for Whitechapel Rd mark 2
i took my time and cleaned all of my used track and points (couldn’t save it all)
It works very well cant see any difference
Good luck
Thank you, yes I shall use it and test it as I go, cheers P
Only recently found your channel through Station Road so will be following the progress with New Sandling Junction with interest! Moving soon myself so will have dismantle and rebuild my layout so can understand a lot of where you are. Do get the point of not wanting to duck under things anymore so some of Julian and your ideas are very interesting. Not going as far a Charlie and helixes but definitely something I can walk into!
As far as re-using track, as long as it is flat and the right width, re-use but be critical. As far cleaning ip, so what if you are going to ballast?
Will be at GETS on the Sunday morning so would be fun if in a big room full of people I got meet Julian and yourself.
Thanks John will be there both days, and track will be laid ballasted only after heaps of testing
cheers P
Thanks for the update Paul
Cool thank you, cheers P
I use old track in my sidings and fiddle yard on my 'N' gauge Layout
Cheers John, yes will use the 75 and test it=hard as I go , cheers P
Hi Paul good to hear plans coming together for New Sandling Junction, I will be attending Folkestone but have made arrangements for the Saturday (its a pity would have enjoyed to meet up). Hope you have a great time at GETS and to meet up with Julian. I have only used new track still in the same house over 40 years and the layout is about 14 years old but when I have made the odd alteration I have reused after cleaning and checking (flex track code 75) with no issues, so if you have rail that is clean sleepers/chairs in tack why not. Looking forward to the start of the build for New Sandling Junction take care and stay safe regards Barry...
Cheers Barry sorry to be missing you, will catch you maybe next year, cheers P
Paul,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using second -hand track. Just soak it in warm soapy water and then with a scrubbing brush give it a good clean, then gently rub 2000 grit sandpaper over the rails and it should be as good as new, because after it has been ballasted and weathered you will know it is second-hand track.. Cheers Greg
Thank you Greg, yes will use and test well, cheers P
Interesting developments. Regarding the re-use of track, the plain sections should be okay, however for points I would be very careful….. Hopefully see you at the Folkestone show next month.
Will be there, annd points are in great shape, cheers P
Great video. The old track is always good to be reused, has long has it looks alright, then go for it ahead even if you only use it in a sidings or fiddle yard.
will use it and lots of testing, cheers P
I`m code 100, but the amount i`ve accumulated for the project I have in mind, most of the track is secondhand either unused or recovered, it really down to condition most of mine has not been ballasted, also a lot of turnouts are used or from my old layout, code 100 more durable than 75. I did buy a lot of weathered unsed turnouts and got caught as there all code 75 so no use to me, i`m keeping code 100 do to the mix and age of the fleet. I to am pushing the boat out and going to GETS for the weeken so hope to see you there.
I shall look forward to it, cheers P
I will see you and Julian at GETS, I will be announcing a meet n greet time and place very soon for all the TH-camrs
That will be grea and am so very excited at meeting everyone I have come to know as friends in person for the first time, cheers P
Some of my track is on its 4th layout. If its in good condition no reason not to use it again. Hope I get a chance to meet yourself and Julian at GETS.
That is good to know, and yes see you I hope at the show, cheers P
Looking forward to Folkestone exhibition. With regard to old track, my previous layout hadn't got to the ballasting stage before my wife decided she wanted to move. I have re-used all the points where possible (Peco code 100 electrofrogs) and they have given me no problems. I have quite a few left over, as the new layout is a lot smaller than the old one, so I am still undecided as to what to do with them. I didn't use the straight flexitrack, because I couldn't remember where I stored it all when we moved, and it was a few years between moving and starting on the new layout.
see you at Folkestone, and yes will use track and test well, cheers P
Yes use the old track as long as the track is in tact use it as it will be painted and ballasted.
Thats is the overriding advice so will lay it and test it well, cheers P
Looking forward to the new layout build, Julian has done a great job with the design. The space you have certainly makes the layout interesting.
Are you going to be at Milton Keynes. Opps you've answered my question, I'm hoping to get there for the first time this year.
I will definitely be at Folkstone again this year always a good local exhibition to support.
Allan
Hi Allen I am at both Folkestone Sunday only, cheers P
I often use second hand track. There's not much that can go wrong with it and it's cheep. So I Say yes! Re-use your old track. 😊
Hi Steve yes I will but test it very well , cheers P
I'm actually about to dismantle my layout move house and start again! I never thought about buying new track. My new layout will be 4 times the size and old track will be on lower level storage. But I am interested in peoples response to your question about reusing track.
Seems all say use old track, I will test =ing it thoroughly as I go, cheers P
use it as long as it is not damaged
I shall and will test as I move onward, cheers P
good vid thanks lee
Cheers Lee
If it is financially feasible you should talk to the guy that built the fiddle yard baseboards for Charlie after you get everything ready for that step
Who was that? Ill chat with Charlie about it, cheers P
Great to hear you are you are going to GETs it will be nice to finally meet you. Ill be there on Saturday. Also that your layout will begin to take shape shortly.
Ive used second hand track, even points. Obviously you need to make sure the rails are clean, the rails are seated in the chairs, track isnt twisted but I cannot see any reason why not. See how it goes, if you need to replace the odd point then youve still saved a fortune. I bought a piece of guttering with end caps and I use it specifically to clean track. Fairly cheap solution to quite a tricky problem.
And you too John, lots of hand shaking to do at GETs, I will lay track and test it well, cheers P
Yes, I reused over 300 feet of code 100. I have no problems from that. Now how I reinstalled it is another story. 😅
Please don't throw away or sell. Prices are going up foe everthing.
True enough Bob, I shall use it and feel I will need more in time, cheers P