Straight Track Sections
Out standing model railroad track plans
Advantages of flexible track
The advantages of this type of track are many. For one thing, you have fewer joints in a run of track. That means a lot to railroaders.
You also have the ability to gently ease your model into curves, instead of going right into them as with the rigid track. Consider this, too! A three-foot section of flexible track can easily replace four nine-inch pieces of sectional track.
And perhaps what I appreciate most about flexible track is now I’m the one in control of the curves, not some stupid rigid track pieces. I can make the curves exactly what I need them to be. I don’t feel as if I’m trapped into fixed radii produced for the mass market that couldn’t possibly fit the area in which I’m constrained to work.
If you’re considering giving flexible track a try, there are a few secrets that will make it more enjoyable, not only to install, but ultimately use as as well.
I realize, first and foremost, that I have to follow those laws of geometry and gravity. By that, I mean that no matter the type of track I chose, if my curve is too sharp (the law of geometry), the train will derail (the law of gravity!) So before I even begin to lay anything down, I take a pencil and literally outline the area I wish my track to follow.
In doing this, I can get feel for the minimum radii I have. And I know I’m not going to go beyond this point.
Sometimes, I’ll even use the flexible track as a template of sorts, drawing around apiece that is temporarily laid out just so I can be sure I have the track locations right and that they flow smoothly.
Yes, I’m sure you’ve probably heard the advice that a yardstick, a pencil and a length of string is all you need for a straight track. But even armed with these instruments, I’ve been doomed to make errors. When I use the real thing, my efforts go more smoothly.
The real key to the successful use of flexible track though lies in that word “smooth.” Let your track “do” everything smoothly. Don’t force it into any sudden curves or unexpected kinks. And for that matter, don’t try to fit it into any unnatural rises or valley.
Grading:
And we don’t mean a report card!
Adjusting the grading of your track is a problem many novices to the hobby have a problem with. Remember that your train is a mere model of the prototype. The gradient may not seem like it’s very large to you, but seriously examine the size of the train you’re asking to run up or down those hills.
For the small-sized conductor struggling inside that locomotive, it may look like a steep, steep mountain! Don’t let the grade start up too quickly. One quick way to ensure that you keep your locomotive safe is by placing your eye at track level. Now just “sight” it along to keep the track flowing.
Most individuals don’t realize that they have to be super careful if their train is only sitting upon a piece of plywood. This type of ground covering is actually notoriously uneven.
If you should notice any kinks, while you’re “eyeballing” the situation, or any bad joints, bumps or dips, straighten them out immediately. If you can see them, they’ll probably cause your train trouble.
More on my book “Ultimate Comprehensive Guide to Model Train Building”.
About the Author
Jonah V. Zennith is a model train enthusiast and expert writer. For more information on successful model railroading guides visit http://www.modeltrainpros.com
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Atlas 23 HO Scale Gauge 4 Sections 3 inch Straight Track – NOS $2.25 |
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N-SCALE LOT 5″ SECTIONS; 12 Curved,9 Straight, and 2 track crossings $8.00 |
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HO NS Gray EZ Track Assorted Straight Sections 10pcs Bachmann Trains 44592 New! $10.25 |
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Atlas #823 3″ Straight Track Code 100 4 Sections HO $4.50 |
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Vintage Lionel 027 Scale Straight Track, 5 Sections $2.99 |
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Atlas #822 6″ Straight Track HO Code 100 4 Sections $4.50 |
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Atlas N Scale Straight Track Sections Lot 24 item 2501 + 8 Short Straight Tracks $6.99 |
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O LIONEL O27 TRACK (LOT OF 54) SHORT, CURVE & STRAIGHT SECTIONS $15.52 |
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O GAUGE LIONEL TRACK (24 STRAIGHT SECTIONS) $32.50 |
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O GAUGE MTH REALTRAX TRACK (25) STRAIGHT SECTIONS 40-1001 $26.53 |
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Aristo-Craft 30031 US Style Half Straight Track Sections 12 Pieces in Box $37.99 |
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Marklin 2 Curved Switching Track Sections 5146 & 1 Straight Switching Track MIB $20.99 |
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Marx HO scale train track BLACK ROADBED lot of 10 straight sections vintage $9.95 |
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LGB 10610 6 120MM 4 FT STRAIGHT BRASS SECTIONS G SCALE TRACK NIB W GERMANY $142.50 |
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MTH RailKing RealTrax – 30″ Straight Track TWO Sections NR $6.49 |
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VINTAGE O GA TRACK -12 STRAIGHT SECTIONS $9.95 |
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T-REPRODUCTIONS BUDDY L STRAIGHT TRACK LOT (10 SECTIONS INCLUDED!) $305.00 |
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Bachmann 44412 HO Scale E-Z EZ Track 3 inch Straight 4 Sections – NOS $5.50 |
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Lots of 2 Lionel G-Gauge Exclusive Track Pack Straight and Curved Sections $44.99 |
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22 x TT scale 3mm STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS – Berliner Bahnen $3.13 |
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Atlas #2501 5″ Straight Track Sections (6) N Scale Code 80 Rails $4.25 |
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4 Tyco 15″ Straight Track Sections – Nice! $9.99 |
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OO Guage Hornby Dublo 3 Rail System #5 Straight Track 7 Sections VINTAGE $9.99 |
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OO Guage Hornby Dublo 3 Rail System 7 #4 6” Straight Track Sections VINTAGE $9.99 |
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Atlas 452 True-Track 3″ Straight Sections (Pack Of 4) $5.79 |
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Four Packs Bachmann HO “E-Z Track” 9″ Straight Track Sections – New in Package $4.99 |
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S-HELPER SERVICE #00257 STRAIGHT TRACK-15 in. 6 Sections-1 Box $51.50 |
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G Scale 4 ft Straight Track -8 sections $1.25 |
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Kato 2-120 114mm 4 1/2 Straight Track Sections (4) $10.79 |
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BACHMANN G SCALE STRAIGHT TRACK 1 TO 100 SECTIONS $3.50 EACH -BELOW DEALER COST $3.50 |
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HORNBY OO 7 X R600 STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS $1.55 |
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Atlas HO 6 Sections 9″ Straight Track #21 “New Old Stock” $7.99 |
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Lionel G-Gauge Exclusive Track Pack Straight and Curved Sections $15.99 |
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Atlas HO 9″ Track #821 4 pieces new in package Nickel Silver $4.00 |
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BACHMANN G 94511 4 STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS IN BOX 427599 $20.00 |
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BACHMANN G 94511 4 STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS IN BOX 427600 $20.00 |
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Tyco Mattel HO Slot Car 9″ 23cm Straight Track Sections 2 Pieces New in Package $9.95 |
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HO SPECIAL STRAIGHT TRACK – 25 sections 18″ code 100 Track ihc Model Power New $14.00 |
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Atlas O Gauge #6050 10″ Straight 21st Century Track Sections, 18 Pieces $45.00 |
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4 SECTIONS OF STRAIGHT STANDARD GAUGE TRACK BY MTH LOT 1 OF 2 IN EXC COND $20.00 |
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4 SECTIONS OF STRAIGHT STANDARD GAUGE TRACK BY MTH LOT 2 OF 2 IN EXC COND $20.00 |
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LIONEL 65024 O-27 GAUGE 35″ LONG STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS..4PCS …NEW $20.00 |
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LIONEL 65523 O GAUGE 40″ LONG STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS..4PCS …NEW $32.00 |
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CARRERA End Sections for Straight Track #20599 $12.99 |
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AMERICAN FLYER S GAUGE TRACK CURVE AND STRAIGHT SECTIONS $49.95 |
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TYCO COMMAND CONTROL SLOTLESS Racing Track- 1 Pair 9″ Straight Track Sections $9.99 |
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TYCO COMMAND CONTROL SLOTLESS Racing Track- 1 Pair 15″ Straight Track Sections $9.99 |
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Bachmann HO #44592 Assorted Short Straight E-Z Track Sections – Gray Roadbed $8.95 |
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25 sections of Lionel Track, excellent condition, 15 straight, 10 curved $22.00 |
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Aurora TJET HO Slot Car track – Excellent 9″ Straight Sections x 50 – Cheap $39.99 |
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SCX Digital Straight 180mm 1/32 Slot Car Track Sections $17.99 |
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SCX Digital Straight 90mm 1/32 Slot Car Track Sections – SCX20130 $17.99 |
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NEW LIONEL FASTRACK – 24 – 30″ STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS $350.00 |
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MTH RealTrax 30″ Roadbed Straight Track Section Full Case of 20 Pieces # 40-1019 $239.00 |
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MTH RealTrax 30″ Roadbed Straight Track Section Lot of 10 Pieces # 40-1019 * NEW $129.00 |
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Lionel new Large scale Snow 4 Straight Track Sections $40.00 |
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Slot Car Tracks – Lot of 14 Sections: 11 Curved, 3 Straight $7.00 |
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LGB 10000 BRASS 1 FOOT STRAIGHT TRACK (12 SECTIONS) $89.99 |
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ATLAS HO STRAIGHT TRACK 20 SECTIONS 9″ $9.99 |
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Atlas 2501 N Scale 5″ Straight & Curved Track Sections $4.25 |
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Atlas 150-825 NS HO Track 4-Pc 1-1/2″ STRAIGHT SECTIONS $1.99 |
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Atlas 454 True-Track 2″ Straight Sections (Pack Of 4) $5.59 |
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Atlas 453 True-Track 1-1/2″ Straight Sections (Pack Of 4) $5.59 |
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Bachmann HO 44411 E-Z Track Steel 9″ Straight Track Sections (4) $6.65 |
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Bachmann HO 44412 E-Z Track Steel 3″ Straight Track Sections (4) $4.88 |
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Bachmann HO 44511 E-Z Track Nickel Silver 9″ Straight Track Sections (4) $8.78 |
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Bachmann HO 44512 E-Z Track Nickel Silver 3″ Short Straight Track Sections (4) $6.50 |
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Bachmann HO 44513 E-Z Track Nickel Silver 2.25″ Straight Track Sections (4) $6.50 |
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Bachmann HO 44514 E-Z Track Nickel Silver 4.5″ Straight Track Sections (4) $7.32 |
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Lionel Trains 6-12042 FasTrack 30″ Straight Track Sections (4) $47.00 |
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Lionel Trains 6-12042 FasTrack 30″ Straight Track Sections Bulk Pack (24) $264.00 |
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ATLAS TRACK # 25 HO SCALE 4-SECTIONS 1-1/2″ STRAIGHT $9.99 |
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Atlas 21 9″ Straight Track – 6 Sections $4.19 |
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3 TOMY AFX HO Slot Car 9″ Straight Track Sections 8622 $8.09 |
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#59b 5 – Sections of Straight Track ( Atlas Mostly) No Box $3.99 |
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Ninco 1/32 slot car track – pack of 6 borders -straight sections #10203 $8.99 |
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Carrera Slot Car Track 1/3 Straight Sections [20611] $14.24 |
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Carrera Slot Car Track 1/4 Straight Sections [20612] $14.24 |
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Lot: 14 Short Straight HO Track sections, Brass & Slvr $9.99 |
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Atlas HO Scale 9″ Straight Track — 6 Sections $5.99 |
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Vintage MARKLIN HO #5129 M-TRACK Straight Track Sections (13 pcs included) $12.99 |
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Assorted Connector Sections of Straight “N” Scale Bachmann E-Z Track New 44829 $13.49 |
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Carrera Slot Car Track Straight – (4) Sections [20509] $26.59 |
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Carrera Slot Car Track Straight – (2) Sections [20601] $14.24 |
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Atlas N Scale Track-3 original Boxes-18 sections 5″ Straight Track $15.43 |
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LGB G Scale Brass train Track Straight 12″ Sections – QTY (17) 1′ pieces GERMANY $179.00 |
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Vintage Train Track 6 Straight Sections Model Trains Collectible $19.99 |
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Bachmann Assorted Sections Straight Track (2 per section) n scale 160-44829 $21.00 |
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MARKLIN HO SHORT LENGTH STRAIGHT TRACK SECTIONS X 25 PCS 426815 $31.00 |
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SCX 20020 1:32 Scale Digital System 180mm Straight Track Sections $17.99 |
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Lot of 9 Vintage 1964 Revell 12″ Straight Track Sections $22.99 |
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Atlas HO Scale Nickel Silver 9″ Straight Track Model #821 6 SECTIONS $5.99 |
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19 Lego 9v Curved and straight track sections $74.99 |
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Atlas #821 9″ Straight Track Code 100 6 sections HO $6.75 |
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N Bachmann EZ Track Assorted Straight Track Sections $21.00 |
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BACHMANN 1 1/8 STRAIGHT TRACK 12 SECTIONS N SCALE $9.99 |
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AFX Straight 9″ HO Slot Car Track Sections (Pair) – 70601 – Genuine AFX part! $7.94 |
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2 TOMY AFX HO Slot Car 9″ STRAIGHT Track Sections #8622 $6.29 |
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Fleischmann HO Scale Train Track Lot – 4 Straight & 12 Curved Sections $16.19 |
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LGB 1000 G SCALE GAUGE BRASS STRAIGHT TRACK LOT 20 SECTIONS $100.00 |
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Jazz: Original Ballads & Bop $12.97 … |
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Mini Cooper Road Racing Chase Set $33.63 This kit includes 2 mini cooper racers, 2 hand controllers, 12 curved tracks, 3 straight tracks, 1 power intake track, 1 battery box, 1 start/finish sign post, 2 bridge sections, 4 guard rails, 6 supports, labels, sheets, and clips…. |
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Progress Lighting P9115-28 Straight Connector For Joining Two Or More Track Sections, Bright White $15.84 Finish:White Straight connector for joining two or more track sections. The connectors plug into track sections only one way to ensure positive polarization…. |
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Progress Lighting P8720-09 Straight Connector For Joining 2 Or More Track Sections The Connectors Plug Into Track Sections Only 1 Way, Brushed Nickel $12.00 Finish:Brushed Nickel For joining two track sections in a straight run. The connector plugs into track sections only one way to ensure positive polarization…. |
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LBL Lighting RAIL-ST-BZ48-2 Straight 2-Circuit Monorail, Bronze Finish – 48 $136.00 Available in straight rail (47.25′ or 94.5′), soft curve (46′), 48′ diameter circle (one piece 40.50′), 24′ diameter circle (one piece 20′), 32′ monorail spiral, 48′ monorail spiral. All pieces are field cuttable and bendable. Consult factory for custom pre-bent options. Finish options: bronze, satin chrome… |
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Lionel 612042 FasTrack 30 Inch Straight Track Section $11.97 FASTRACK 30″ Straight Track… |
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Lionel FasTrack 10 Straight Track $3.72 Offering innovation, variety, ease-of-use, and a fantastic prototypical look, the FasTrack track system brings your Lionel layout to life like never before. Its flawless performance and endless flexibility make it appealing to first-timers and seasoned pros alike.Features include: •Length: 10″•Offers greater flexibility in designing your layout•Easy, snap-together locking mechanism … |
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Lionel FasTrack Terminal Section $6.19 O FasTrack 10″ Terminal Section… |
