I am planning to simulate an interchange with a modern main line, and would like to use concrete ties for this main line. Anyone have pictures of the split between wooden and concrete ties? Should I simply put in a normal wooden tie turnout, then start the concrete ties from there? Hints on weathering the concrete ties would also be appreciated. FWIW this will be in N scale. Thanks Kirk
A little bit of help, switching to wooden sleepers on a switch is prototypical, standard concrete ones can be mass produced in vast numbers to a standard length but on a switch they would all be different lengths, so more difficult to manufacture in bulk. Over here in the UK concrete tie switches do exist, but they are fairly rare. You may get a small section of wooden tied track on one side of the switch to fill in the gap to the next section of welded rail/concrete ties. HTH
Kirk, I could get you a photo of the change, but it is as you have already assumed. As Martyn alluded to, in many situations when the line is upgraded wooden ties are still used under a switch because there would need to be custom built concrete ties for the existing switch. It's not worth the expense in casting nor stocking the variation in fixture positions for every switch layout throughout a railway. Mind you, in many new installations concrete is used throughout but the switches used are a set profile and have the switch layout and sleepers available as a 'kit'. So you can stop the concrete then have your switch then continue concrete on the other side and be prototypical. As for weathering, the clips that hold the rail to the conctrete tie (usually these are Pandrol Rail Fastenings brand) are steel and rust. The ties either side of the rail up to about 4" get a rusty stain with a dusty overcoat over all the tie from the wearing of concrete against ballast. Add to this the usual oil abd grease spills that occur and other weather elements. A very diluted mix of indian ink and water with a drop or two of detergent (or wetting solution of choice) lightly sprayed over the track, to taste, after weathering ties it all in. Hope this is of help. Bi-lingual content - switch = point tie = timber (points) or sleeper Gary.
I saw something very recently about swing-nose frogs on the prototype (but I can't find it now ). It mentioned in passing that these allow the use of concrete ties under the switch because of the much reduced shock loading. From that I'd guess that concrete is too brittle for use under normal switches unless loads/speeds are fairly low.
Kirk, I just came across a website of a gentleman named Jerry Sharp that has a photo that might give you something to work with. http://jerrysharp.railfan.net/PRB/bnsf8829east_at_coal_creek_jct.jpg I thought it was particularly interesting to see the small strip of concrete ties between the two turnouts. Anyway, hope this helps...
sorry no info...exact about ur confusion is not yet available and i also in search of the same answer if u get the reply on this pls inform me also..tnx
the second option would sound better to switch over to wood ties for the switch may i say that it would prabably look better with the brown ties instead of the black ties
