Switch track length - not quite right

[technic70s]

I have been working on my layout and have noted that a switch and a curve are slightly longer than 48 studs.

This has become a bit of a problem when I put three together in series and get to the end and try to attach the track to the last stud.

Has any one had this problem and knows a way around it.

I am building a fully ballasted track.

[Scheemdalegotrain]

I have noticed this as well: two switches works, three gets more complicated. In my current lay out, I don't use three switches in a row (apart from the problem you mentioned, it costs a lot of space anyway!), but I tried it last year. If you use unballasted track, the solution can probably be found in 'stretching' the flexibility of your track a bit or use a piece of flex track somewhere along the way. But since you use fully ballasted track.... Still try to use a piece of flex track further along, perhaps?

[antsiranean]

I don't quite understand. Could you please post a picture?

[SavaTheAggie]

It's a known issue with LEGO's plastic switch mold that our club, and I'm sure many others, reported to LEGO a few years ago. The problem exists with the 9v switch as well, but not nearly as bad.

The only work around is modification - I.e. cutting the track a little bit.

But if you're going to be cutting track anyway...

--Tony

[Paperballpark]

Sorry, I'm not sure what you're meaning? What's the problem exactly?

[technic70s]

Im away from my bricks at the moment, will try to take a photo later on.

What happens is, if you force the last stud to connect to the stud base under your track it makes the curved section of track lift up a littel and you end up with a banked section of track, be it very small.

I just dont like putting the track under that much pressure.

[Paperballpark]

Oh I see. Not found that, but I don't think I've tried to do it yet. Only ever pressed straights down onto baseplates, which has a similar effect, but I think that's mainly down to baseplates being a tiny fraction too small.