Cutting track with Xuron 2175b

Singing along to the Carpenters, waiting for Mr Postman to deliver the +Xuron 2175b track cutters we ordered on Amazon. Without them no further progress can be made on our track and the wait is excruciating. The parcel fit through the letter box and without hesitation the cutters were put to the test.

Attempt number one 
I measured the length of track by comparing it to an existing +Hornby Model Railways piece, marking off a line with my pencil. Cutters horizontally in line as advised by numerous experienced model railway individuals from the fare we attended in Pickering.


Yes                        

No





Tight grip, eyes shut (for extra safety precaution). The track pings of my upper lip and I realise that additional safety precautions are necessary. Out come the swimming goggles, finally seeing the light of day. I peered into the bathroom mirror through the dust ridden lenses and in my reflection an uncanny resemblance to Boris the Animal (Men In Black III). I feel a bit better about having rarely used them for swimming, perhaps they would serve me better at Halloween. I was most pleased to see my best impression receive a twitter like response from Rick Barker, the creator of this terrifying costume.

Further attempts

Seeing the potential of these rather innocent looking cutters, the goggles did not increase my confidence. The track ends were relatively easy but I found cutting though the middle a little more challenging.  Further attempts weren't as even and flush as I would have hoped. Using a steel file helped me even out the lengths and flatten the metal ends. 

Provided that the track is flush the fish plates (rail joiners) slide on relatively easy with some force and a pair of long nosed pliers purchased in +Maplin Electronics Ltd. I was at first worried about the grip on the pliers, fortunately this feature did not cause any damage to the fish plates and if anything helped secure them in place.