开云体育

Russ,

To answer your interface questions:

First, a correction: The first dimension is 2-1/8" (2.125"), not 2-7/8"
from the edge of the module. The second length of 2-7/8 is correct.

1. MTL sectional track is creates a few challenges.

The height and end length are OK, comparable to Flex or M???rklin sectional
with MidWest Products cork (just make sure what ever you use, you 1) make
the Z-Bend Track holes 3" from the TOP of the RAIL, not the module top and
2) you grind enough of the 2-1/8 cork down so that the M???rklin expansion
track has a little bit of a gap under it (manila folder thickness). This
assures that the expansion track does not get leveraged up and if it does
during installation, they can be pushed down a bit to level them.

NOTE: MTL flex is NOT the same height as M???rklin / Peco flex.
The rail height is only a few thousandth less than
M???rklin/Peco and the ties the same but MTL places their rail more
prototypically closer to the ties. The total is about 0.010" less than the
M???rklin/Peco flex so make sure that the cork is sanded down accordingly.
This assures that the higher M???rklin expansion track does not get forced up
by leverage.

The rail ends interface is a bit different. They expect the interlocking
alignment pieces. You will have to cut two of them in "1/2" to fill in the
void (spares are available from MTL or any of us). Make sure you pull the
joiner off per Z-Bend Track or, leave the same single one on if these are
your own modules (really no need to take the one off - they all have to go
on anyway).

You main challenge as you mention is geometry. Since you are limited to
straight and curve, you will have to cut pieces to make every thing fit.
Not hard to do, many have done it. Make sure that when you secure the
sectional pieces, they are FLAT. There are quite a few that have very
slight arcs or twists in them. Very, very small but you can see it when
connected in a chain.

2. You can do what you want with that next 2-7/8", even a curve. However,
it is recommended that it be straight as the expansion tracks create 1) a
bumpy surface in the middle and 2) the modules are normally never perfectly
aligned (both up/down and left/right). Placing a turnout straight counts as
straight but like the expansion tracks, an additional bumpy ride. We've all
done it so have it. The only thing we ask is that at shows, all modules
should be proven runners with variations to the standard.

Jeff
SF Bay Area Z
"The BAZ BoyZ"