What I'm think of here is using glue, instead of spikes of solder/pc ties, for attaching the rails to the ties. I have do some hand laying with C40 and pc ties in N scale, and are quite comfortable using that method, but now I decided to try my hands on some C55 HO track. I have no experience using spikes, but I assume they are too big for using on C55 rails, so I tried the good old proven pc tie method, and of course it works, but, I think it will end up being expensive using pc ties for every 5th tie on HO. Then I read about using Barge contact cement, but haven't been able to find it at the local Home Depot store, so instead I tried it with regular contact cement, but with no success. Does anyone here have any experience using glue?, if so, I would appreciate a short "how to - step by step" instruction. If not, then how would you install C55 track, using pc ties?, using pc ties every 10 - 15th tie and then a dap of epoxy? Any help is appreciated. Thanks Jesper
Buy HO AMI, it comes in 30 foot rolls. Cut the roll in two (I usually do it in sections) and you then have 60 feet of AMI, thus reducing your cost in half. AMI is sticky on both sides and is great as you can change your mind and relay the road bed and track - which I have done several times. Its a bit more expensive solution than yours, but I like the product. I could never lay something that was permanent again. Who knows 5 years from now I might want to change something.
Rick, I appreciate you advise, but I'm actually talking about attaching the rail to the ties. I will glue the wood ties to the roadbed using white or yellow carpenter glue and then attach the rail (one rail at a time) to the ties. Jesper
Jesper, You have to wipe any finger prints and other oils, waxes and dust off the under-side of each rail before any glue or paint will stick to the metal. It is also a good idea to sand the area to give the glue something to grip better. I haven't tried it yet, but one guy suggested laying a small bead of hot glue on the rail, then place the rail in place and heat it with a soldering iron, pressing the rail down with weights as you go. I plan to try this next spring.
Jesper, Another possible glue is pliobond. Similar to Barges in that if it does come unglued, you simply hit it with a soldering iron. Pliobond can be found in many outdoor stores-particularly fly fishing shops, as it is used to cover knots in flyline/backing connections. kirk
Here's a list of all the threads I could find on the subject: Hand Laid Track? 08 July, 2000 HO Scale Hand laid track 07 January, 2001 HO Scale My rail has arrived but now a question... 02 February, 2004 HO Scale Track Gauges 08 November, 2002 N Scale what track do you use? 13 February, 2003 N Scale Joining Track to Clip or Not 08 March, 2001 The Inspection Pit horrible train wreck 19 October, 2002 The Inspection Pit Learned something today (hand laying related) 02 March, 2003 The Inspection Pit Hand laid track?!!!!!???? 23 March, 2003 The Inspection Pit Handlaying Track & Turnouts 26 November, 2003 The Inspection Pit Cutting PC Ties 21 January, 2004 The Inspection Pit My tracks arrived but now a question... 02 February, 2004 The Inspection Pit Any experience using glue when hand laying track? 06 February, 2004 The Inspection Pit Nn3 - Anyone? 02 January, 2002 Narrow Gauges Lonely Hearts Club Band 29 April, 2002 Layout Design Discussion Turnouts 13 January, 2003 Layout Design Discussion Soldering Rails 22 September, 2003 Layout Design Discussion
I did a small test the other day using Barge cement for attaching the C55 rail. I 'sacrificed' one of my N scale sidings to do this test, but that's fine because I have already decided that I'm going to remove all the N stuff. So, after having tried this method, I have almost decide to just go with the good proven PC and solder method. Reason is that it took me almost as much time to apply the thinned glue with a small brush to the 4 length of rail I used as it would have taken me to actually install it with pc ties. I let the glue dry for a couple of hours before I tried to install it. Now when I put down the rail, I applied a little MEK with a brush to every 5th tie or so, kind of like if I were soldering, then I would go back and apply it to the other ties. Also another reason why I think I prefer pc and solder is because I think it will be easier to adjust the gauge or aliment or 'straightness' of the rail if soldered instead of glued. At least, now I know. I have a few more pictures here http://community.webshots.com/album/118134441xkKyNt
Jesper, you are supposed to lay one rail holding it in alignment with straight pins. Then when you are ready to lay the other rail, use two track gages to hold the second rail in place, slipping them down as you go. Do all work in between the gages. It works great even when actually spiking the rail to wood ties.
That is almost how I did it. I attached the first rail at each end but using a small drop of thinner and let the glue hold it, then I used a 3' straight-edge and attached the rest of the rail, and then after that I did the second rail, but still IF you have to go back and readjust the gauge for some reason, I think it would be easier using pc and solder.
Jesper Have you too decided to move to HO? I remember you having the same thoughts as me regarding steam. So you are finally making the move, yea? Cheers Bruce
