Bending Steel Rail

[angrysailor302]

Hello, this is the first time on this forum for me.

I have a ride on train set that my wife and I bought for $5500. (Originally $5000, but the seller demanded an extra $500 after we put the down payment down and took some of the track and caboose home.)

The track is 8 3/4" gauge. The rail is made primarily out of T channel steel. Some is made out of L channel steel and some from C channel steel. Most of the track has wooden ties and some sections have metal ties, and some sections have a combination of the two.

There are 3 switches in the set (RH, LH and a Wye.)

There is close to 1/4 mile of track, most is in the form of 20' straight sections, there are not many curves, in two radii (one is about a 40' radius, one about 20' radius.)

There is not enough curves to make an oval out of either radius.

My question is: how do I go about getting a rail bender, or what would be the best way to make one.

Thanks,

James

[pkastagehand]

Since no one else has jumped on this I'll give a try. I am, however, not experienced at track laying.

Not know exactly how big your steel parts are I'm not sure if they are bendable or not. Bending complex shapes like Tees, Ls and Cs is not easy without deforming in the wrong direction (in this case up into the sky or down into the ground). They usually require special machinery. If it is small enough, you may be able to just lay a track segment on the ground, anchor one end and try pulling it against something (post in the ground, etc.) to resist and see how flexible they are.

Regular rail material might do better for you. Buy some rails and do the curves and tie into your straight sections.

Not sure where everyone is; site has been quiet...

Paul