Getting ready to do the final tracklaying on the 2-ft. (now 27") layout.

I've frequently seen references on the forum to removing the locking nubbins on the tabs of the Tomy track pieces. Apparently it is supposed to make track joints smoother, and the locking function isn't necessary when track is permanently fastened to a board.

I'd like to get comments on this. Does everybody agree that it helps?

Should they be removed completely or just reduced in height? What's the best way to do it? Anything to watch out for, or be sure not to do while removing them?

Thanks to all the guys who are so willing to share their experience on this forum. We're all novices on some aspect of the hobby at some time, and it's great to get guidance from the fellows who've "been there, done that." :thumbsup:

-- D

It definitely helps to smooth out the track. :thumbsup:

I used a Dremel on a low speed setting with a narrow grinder wheel -- using a hobby knife or something like that would take quite a while longer. Grinding them off turns them to dust, so wear eye protection. Removing the tab that faces down is all that is necessary, the ones pointing up can stay. I zipped mine down flat.

You'll be surprised. We picked up .75 of a second on my friend's big road course the first time we ever did this.

Absolutely, this helps when the pieces are not perfectly butted together everywhere. You can demonstrate the issue very easily by snapping together two pieces of track and pulling them apart slightly. Even with a 1/32" gap you start to see a ramp form where the bump on one track piece starts riding up on top of the bump on the other track piece. Nothing mysterious at that point, bump on top of bump equals bumpy track. The Tomy system assumes you'll have perfectly alignment. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in practice, even when using a good track design program that determines mathematically that there should be no gaps.

I use a utility knife with a fresh blade to de-bump the track sections.

Also buy the tomy track clips,they are worth the money

Concur....removing the tabs allows a smooth fit even when a little play is required.....

I'm glad this came up. This is a big help for me also. Thanks Dslot for bringing up this question and thanks to all of those who replied. Randy.

I 5th or 6th this motion. I took mine off with like an exacto blade or something. Think micyou3 did the same on his track as well and his track is definitely real smooth.

Cheers,
Xence

I left mine on. I think its more realistic.