My test track is also my track.
Since I have two unconnected circles, I can ‘test’ at least one loco on each track, often in the same direction. Or, if I feel like it, in opposing directions. The possibilities are not endless, but the track certainly is.
tac
Ottawa Valley GRS
My test track is a 24" piece of LGB with 4 bachmann rollers. If I need something more I will set it up on the floor in the basement or the living room. Recently a member here asked about a 0-6-0 getting through a 12000 series LGB switch so I set up a few on the floor along with my test track which uses a LGB transformer from a starter set, applied power and that was that.
Whatever it takes.
I’m with Todd.
I typically use a 24" section of LGB track with rollers. If I need to see the train actually move (e.g., get an idea of the speed), I’ll connect a couple 4’ sections of LGB track together and run it on that. But if I’m really ambitious, I’ll clean a loop of track out on the line, wheel out the control panel, and use that.
My test track is the same, usually that same 2 foot piece of LGB or a 5 foot section of Aristo stainless. I have those 2 pin connectors like Aristo uses, and have outfitted all my programmers and power supplies with them so I can plug in whatever I need to the test track, Zimo programmer, QSI programmer, ESU programmer, DCC, DC, etc.
I use Bachmann rollers, since they also sell the non rolling ones for your Steamer tenders and also support the pilot and trailing trucks.
Beyond that I use the smaller inner loop of my layout to test, almost continuous 5’ radius curves and 3 switches. It’s pretty flat, so any car or loco that does not run here has an issue.
Greg
I’ve got track running along a shelf in my work room. Just a few straight sections, the rests are curves that snake along the wall. I wanted to see how my cars did on the curves, especially going from left to right.
My “model shop” is pretty small, so my test track table is my main work table. Here it is with the masonite pieces,
and without them:
No S-bends, that would have been smart.
Originally, I was going to use an HF hoist to haul it to the ceiling. Hence the not-lightweight framing and the eyebolts in the corners. But the big work space (and storage beneath) was very helpful, so I bagged that idea.
I test on the line, if its a powered test. For workbench type testes, I use sections of Bachmann straight track. That tinplate stuff that cannot be used outside in the weather.
I have a 6 foot track section mounted on a board but my workbench area is so crowded I haven’t used it in a long time. I mostly use now an 18 inch track and board section and use various rollers.
Lots of suggestions 
Really like the table setup, but I would have to find the bench each time lol I had always planned to do a shelf layout, maybe 10’, with a small yard at the end to test switches and such as well, but due to cost of track nowdays, I resort to Bachmann disposable track set up outside when a test is needed
Sometimes just a 6’ piece of flex track, sometimes just the floor, sometimes just the work bench…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Ever try rollers…?
…they work well, and don’t take up space…
You should also always have a short piece of track, and one or two coupler gauges. Checking wheel gauge should be done with a Back-Back wheel gauge or caliper, not the piece of track that you use for testing.
Although running on a piece of track does prove that the equipment will run. Most “Testing” can be done on the bench, if you know what needs to be checked, and how to do the checking.
Too many people today seem to just take things out of the box, then on to the track, without checking certain things; then wonder why they have derailments.
Yes of course, you have to apply the same consideration to the whole rail system, with good substantial roadbed, and properly layed track.
No-mater how much checking is done on the bench, or on a test track; the track structure has to meet certain standards also, for “Frustration-free” operation. This includes everything, including switches. You can buy or hand lay the best of track and switches, but without a good substantial roadbed, you will eventually have frustrations…
Fred Mills
A 3’ section of track on my work bench, running tests out on the layout. Simple tests up on blocks.
Here is my test track in action. 5 feet of Bachmann tin track, a DVM, Buck power supply and a reversing switch box…
Fred Mills, BSc, BS, SD (Hons) said:
Ever try rollers…?
…they work well, and don’t take up space…
Fred Mills
Yes, but they are still a PITA. They “scrunch” in tight on the track strip and then you find they are not quite at the right distance for the wheel set, so you move one in a bit, then the engine falls off, then the side rod breaks, then…
Some of us I guess, have been rather fortunate, or else we have tender fingers that can hold on to our models carefully…Sorry to hear of your misfortunes with the rollers… Above; Joe seems to be able to use his, as part of his “Testing System”…
Fr.Fred
wow, I have no issues with rollers, and you want them somewhat tight on the track.
Normally I can slide them and the weight of the loco helps “self align” them.
You cannot beat them for observing valve motion, lubricating, cleaning wheels, and a lot of other things.
Joe: I see you have 2 connections to your test track apparently. I had a friend do this as he would connect power from a power pack and then connect a programmer.
Highly NOT recommended! I have a single connector coming from the track and all of my “power supplies” have the opposite polarity.
so:
You can only hook one thing to the track at a time… keeps you from blowing up electronics or programmers.
You cannot hook two “power sources” together, because their connectors will be the same sex, thus you cannot accidentally connect a programmer output to the output of your DC power supply, another safety factor.
fewer loose “clips” that can short against each other, etc. (ever left a power supply “hot” and the alligator clips touched something they shouldn’t have?
Greg
My test track is a five foot piece of Llagas Creek code 250 aluminum track sitting on my work bench, hooked to a MRC 12V power supply. I use Bachmann rollers (got four, usually use two) to lube and observe. Usually the track is covered with projects, so I have to be careful about poweringup without leaving metal bits on the rails.
Mostly, though, I use the test track when I’m changing over couplers to Kadee Number 1.
I’d show a picture, but this is so user not friendly! There may be some in my Freight Shed, but they are probably of the old test track with old LGB 332 track sections.
Greg,
Not to worry. I only have one power supply (the Buck) going to the track through a reversing switch box with a Bachmann power clip. The alligator clips are for the DVM. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Cool, just did not want you to experience any melted equipment!
Regards, Greg
I have a two-foot brass track screwed down to a four-inch-wide length of pine. You can see it in the background of the first picture. Mostly I use it to make sure I get the couplers aligned to the right height when I’m changing out couplers (second picture). Everything else I test out on the layout. I’m strictly onboard power, and, since I’m regretfully a zero when it comes to locomotive motor electric workings, I don’t need a roller system…I give 'em to Kevin when they need that kind of work!
edit: strange…I changed the number of the freight shed picture, but the same picture published twice, so I copy and pasted the picture location and it worked fine. Oh well, at least it’s there now. My height gauge is steel construction shims stacked and glued to the correct height with the coupler glued on the top. A lot cheaper than those fancy ones Kadee makes.
