Fast Tracks

Can code 55 rail be used with HOn3 twist-ties? The detailed description of the product states use with code 70, 83 and 100 rail. Why can't code 55 be used? Has anyone tried HO or HO narrow gauge twist ties with code 55 rail?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

The spacing between the pre-drilled spike holes is set to the width of the base of code 70-100 rail. Code 55 rail is narrower and the spikes heads will not make reliable contact with the base of the rail.

We are considering a code 55 version of HOn3 TwistTies as this is the one situation where code 55 rail is likely to be used with TwistTies.

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Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net

Thanks Tim. Looking forward to this product should you decide to produce it!

Dave

Would using Pliobond along with the spikes do any good?


Thanks Ron & Tim! The account is working fine now!

Yes just fine (and better stability). Pliobond is a thermal activated adhesive and is best applied to the rail base bottom nice and thin then allowed to dry before installation. Once set in place, use gages and carefully spike in a few places then with gages present - use a soldering iron to activate and set the Pliobond.

Another equal adhesive - but chemically activated is the Barge and MEK method. This is excellent provided you first use a thinned mixture to soak into the wooden ties and fill the grain. Then also brush a thinned mixture on the rail bases and let dry. After setting in place with gages (and some spikes) - reactivate and bond with small drops of the MEK.

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-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

emccamey, Sounds good, but remember the safety issues of MEK, especially in a closed area.

I wasn't even sure MEK was still around.

Kurt

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Kurt Konrath

SP was king of the road, Cotten Belt will run forever! D&RGW will rule the hills!

MEK is sold in half-pints, pints, half-gallon, and gallon sizes at paint stores, big box hardware, and even at some Wal-Mart stores (here in the US).

It's not real pleasant for certain, and I do advise some reasonable cautions - but you have to keep it well closed and covered to prevent rapid evaporation and in the minute quantity of droplets being applied, I have seen no real problems.

Those very sensitive to chemicals would be advised, just like when spray painting, to wear a good properly filtered mask. Use one of the nice fine chemists needle glass microliter syringes for application and you'll have superior control and very modest exposure.

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-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

Hi- I have never heard of barge adhesive-would you be so kind to explain it? Is this a brand name? Where do you get it? Thanks, Steve

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Steve

Barge is a brand name of a glue (usually in a tube) that is often used in shoe repair shops. In the US it's available in some ACE Hardware stores as well many other hardware and variety stores. Though there are competing glue types and Brands, the formulation of the Barge is supperior for model track building.

Central Valley was a big proponent of it until they changed their molds for press over spikes. Stephen Hatch uses it at Railway-Engineering for his custom line of turnouts with wooden ties.

It is a contact like adhesive when wet, when cured it has some retained flexibility, uses chemical to cure and set (MEK or Lacquer Thinner) and holds extremely well.

Google "Barge Glue" and you'll find many suppliers on the web.

_________________
-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

Does Pliobond need to both on the tie and the rail, or just the rail?

If just the rail, that makes the job of attaching the rail to the ties so much easier.

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"Life is about learning"

Pliobond, being a thermally activated glue can work just fine by being applied to the base of the rail. You will want to set up a nozzle to spread it nicely and even - not too thick - not too thin. Let set up, place rail on the ties (I'd spike at a few places - even if only temporary).

Fire up a good hot soldering iron, and move along the base of the rail, heating the rail and base to get the set of the glue. Weights moving along behind help to get it nice and well set. Do the second rail the same - only with track gages moving along as well as the weights. Not really a problem with doing both rails at the same time - but you want to keep the heat transferring and moving along a rail base for a 'fair' distance.

Sets up very quickly as the glue cools - but let it cure well before running trains and testing. Keep the weights on for at least a few hours, let it cure for at least a few more hours - reaches maximum cure and set after 24 hours.

_________________
-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.