How to Cut Model Railroad Track part 2

OK, so many of you sent in emails asking about the more advanced...quicker techniques for cutting model railroad track so here it goes. What we discuss here can also be used for cutting already installed track on your model train layout.  You can review the first part of this discussion by clicking here. These tips are for more advanced track layers and you need to use the proper eye protection.



any old pair of diagonal pliers

 I have seen many guys just grab any old pair of diagonal pliers and just go to town cutting the solid rail, ho or n, flex track. Then they have to spend hours cleaning up their mess when they realize they can't get the rail joiners on or if they do the cuts were so crooked there is too much of a gap between rails. If your laughing right now that's because you were just caught red handed as one of those " I love to file all day long" types.  You could use a sharp pair and pay attention to what you are doing and not do a bad job.  However, you are always going to have to break out the files and clean up a bit.



track cutting pliers

 I have a few friends that swear by a special pair of Cutters designed to cut HO and N scale track.  Xuron makes a pair, if you search for track cutting pliers you will find them out there.  Their description always says something like "clean cut every time". My sources tell me they give a cleaner cut then the old regular cutters at least while they are sharp, but that they still have to hit some cuts with a file here and there.




Dremel Flex Shaft



My favorite technique involves a Dremel, the cut off wheel bit, the largest fiber cut off wheel you can buy, and the snake or flex shaft attachment.  If you use a dremel without the flex shaft then the body of the tool gets in the way and you end up with crooked cuts every time...which you cold then use the dremel cut off wheel like a sanding disc and square the cut up. That will leave one heck of a bur. You then have to follow up with a file to get rid of the burs.  I always use the flex shaft. the body of the flex shaft unit that holds the cut off wheel is much thinner and if you are using a large cut off wheel you can get a near straight cut every time. Straight cuts lead to less filing.  However, dremels are pricey and you have to wear some goggles to protect the eyes while cutting so there is more to consider then just the quick snip of a pair of cutting pliers.

Weather you use the jig and saw method or the more advanced techniques discussed above the more track you cut the better at it you will become.  I know some track work can be tedious but send some extra time now while you are installing the track to avoid time consuming and discouraging problems later.