9v track.

[Redimus]

Are there any variations of the 9v track other than the standard length or radius curve, strait and points? If not, are ME planning to do anything other than the default Lego specs?

My current set up is as big a tail chaser as I can fit on my available table, with a passing loop on one side and a small set of sidings sprouting from the inner track of the passing loop. In order for the passing loop to be long enough for a complete HE set in the space available, I've had to use a couple of the small flexible track lengths on the outer loop to allow it to connect properly without being too forced. I'm slowly replacing the RC track with 9v track so I can use the older 9v motor for future MOCs (British steam engines tend to be a pain in the big behind when it comes ot fitting battery boxes in, and I refuse to do the battery wagon option because it limits what you can do with the loco), and it's a little frustrating that I can't see a way to fully electrify the line.

Also, I assume maintenance of the track and pick up wheels is largely the same as traditional model railways, regularly clean the rails and wheels to ensure best pick up and reduce further muck?

[AgentRick]

ME is putting out a set of R56 metal curved rails in 9V (The regular 9V rails are R40), along with half-long and double-long metal straights. They're also putting out some larger radii curves, but only in plastic along with the previously mentioned pieces. I think they're also putting out a 45-degree crossing too, but I'm not sure if that's in metal or not.

There's also the option of using brass/steel tape on cut-up/modified plastic rails to make custom points and crossings, which is probably cheaper and more sensible than buying 9v rails to cut up.

[zephyr1934]

There is also a 9v cross track, but I doubt that will be of much help for your needs right now. ME models is planning on reintroducing the 1/2 length metal rails (8 studs long) so that might help you with some of your geometry when they come out.

For maintaining the lego track, unless you pull heavy trains you might not need to do any track cleaning. Otherwise, a simple pencil eraser is all I use, mainly on the track only occasionally on the motor wheels (note that the 9v power pickup is on the inside of the rail rather than the top).

[Redimus]

I think, as much as anything, I'll need to do one clean because most of the track is old and has clearly been gathering dust for a while. It's good to hear it won't be a regular thing to have to do. Track and wheel cleaning is easily the biggest ball ache of traditional railway modelling.

[kieran]

You could always try and make a cleaning car to run around, kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak, there are a few on here for inspiration.

[legoman666]

Peroxide will clean the rust off and brighten up the plastic at the same time.