Bachmann E-Z Track 22" Radius Curved, Nickel Silver, HO

Curve radius decides which locomotives and cars a layout can handle, and Bachmann says its 22-inch radius curved track is best used to make relatively wide railroad curves. The page states that it accommodates longer locomotives and rolling stock and permits mainline operation at higher speeds. Four pieces make up one-quarter, or 90 degrees, of a 44-inch diameter circle, so a card covers a quarter turn. The 18-inch curve (44501) already in this catalog is the basic curve of the same system: Bachmann lists four of those as one-third of a 36-inch diameter circle. The 22-inch piece can also be placed on the outside of 18-inch radius curved E-Z Track for double-track mainline realism. The listing gives four per card, HO scale 1:87, nickel silver rail and gray roadbed, and says the track is also available in bulk.

For a model railroad the practical question is room: a full circle of this track is 44 inches across, against 36 inches for the 18-inch curve. Bachmann's assembly sheet for an E-Z Track train set calls proper track assembly the most important step: snap the sections together tightly while making sure the rail and rail joiners are seated properly, because the joiners form a continuous connection for the electric current. After assembly it says to run fingers lightly over the top of the rails to check that the track is flush and level, with no bumps or distortions, and to correct trouble by checking joiner fit or with small pliers. The sheet adds set-up advice: choose a firm, flat surface such as a floor, carpet or tabletop, make a rough layout first by loosely placing sections in the configuration desired, and assemble the track where it is to be displayed, because track that must be moved can bend where sections connect. For cleaning it says to wipe the rails after every eight hours of use with a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab, that removing black residue is normal, and not to use steel wool or common solvents, which may damage plastics. Bachmann's category list also shows a half-section of 22-inch radius curved track as a separate item.

A layout builder, or a gift buyer for a hobbyist aged 14 or older, working with Bachmann E-Z Track and wanting a wider main line than the basic curve gives, or a second track outside an 18-inch curve.

The 18-inch Radius Curved section (44501) is the basic curve, fits inside this one for double track, and takes the least room. The 9-inch straight (44511) supplies straight runs. Bachmann also lists a 26-inch radius curved section, 28-inch and 33.25-inch radius sections and a half-section of the 22-inch curve in the same category.

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