This is a shamless plug for one of our sponsors, Fast Tracks (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/).  I have been reading about their SweepSticks(tm) track laying tool and since I was getting ready to lay some ME code 83 HO track around a 30" radius curve in my alcove expansion I thought I'd give them a try.  When I checked their website it showed "out of stock".  I emailed the good folks at FT and they promptly said that they do weekly production runs and if I got the order in by Monday they would expedite it.  Sure enough, I got the order quickly and found that it is indeed a high quality product.  I watched the helpful videos on their website on how to use the product and I've got to say it's made the track laying curves a dream!  This is the first time I've used ME track (alway Atlas in the past) and I found that unlike the Atlas the ME hold it's shape when you bend it - right or wrong.  To use the SweepSticks(tm) you simply snap it into the center of the rails and you form the curve and that's it!  Here are some pictures of the product in use.

I pre-bent the track using the SweepSticks(tm) and then applied the adhesive caulking.  Next I moved the entire track (I had soldered the lengths together) with the sticks in place and used the push pins to apply pressure.

Another view showing the tool in use.

A closeup view.  If you're laying track around curves and want the best there is go to Fast Tracks and try SweepSticks(tm)!

Rick