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How to Lay HO Gauge Flex Tracks

Knowing how to lay HO Gauge flex tracks can make the process of building a model railroad layout easier. Flex tracks are 3-foot-long sections of model railroad track with two rails connected by model ties. Flex tracks can curve and flex wherever you want as you lay track, which allows you to lay long stretches without having to connect each piece every 6 inches as you would when working with sectional track.

Things You'll Need

HO gauge flex tracks
All-purpose caulk
Putty knife
Cork model railroad roadbed
Soldering iron
Silver solder
Model railroad track polish
2 soft cotton cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Place the caulk along the area where you want to lay the tracks. Spread the caulk with the putty knife until there is about a 1/8-inch layer on the area where the tracks will be laid. This will make it easier to lay the cork model railroad roadbed needed to lay the flex tracks on.
- 2
  Lay the cork roadbed into the area where the caulk was just spread. The caulk will be workable by hand for about 10 or 15 minutes before it begins drying. The flex tracks will lay on this so be careful that the cork roadbed is laid exactly where you want the flex tracks to go.
- 3
  Join the flex tracks segments together with the soldering iron and the silver solder to create long stretches of flex track. This will make laying the flex tracks much simpler later on.
- 4
  Place the caulk on the cork model railroad roadbed where you want the tracks to go. Spread the caulk with the putty knife until there is about a 1/8-inch layer on the cork model railroad roadbed where the flex tracks will go.
- 5
  Lay the flex tracks into the area where you spread the caulk. The caulk will be workable by hand for about the next 10 to 15 minutes before it will begin to dry. Leave the flex tracks in place for about the next hour, and the caulk will permanently set the flex tracks in place.
- 6
  Scrape of any excess putty with the putty knife in the area where the cork model railroad roadbed was laid.
- 7
  Put model railroad track polish on the rails of the HO gauge flex tracks using one soft cotton cloth.
- 8
  Rub the rails of the HO gauge flex tracks gently using the other soft cotton cloth. This will make it easier for the model trains to roll over the flex tracks when you use them.

Model Railroads