Atlas HO Code 83 Flex Track.
How do you clip off the ties at the end of a section of flex track and install the flex track end ties Atlas sells?
What tools do you need?
Thanks,
Cowboyred
Atlas HO Code 83 Flex Track.
How do you clip off the ties at the end of a section of flex track and install the flex track end ties Atlas sells?
What tools do you need?
Thanks,
Cowboyred
I use a Xuron Track Cutter tool:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/791-90028
I cut off off two plastic ties from underneath without cutting the rail and use rail joiners to connect the flex track to the Atlas end tie piece.
Hi, I just use the same tool that I use for railcutting: the "Xuron"™ cutter, to cut the web between the adjacent ties, and then slip the loose tie off the rails. Actually a small, sharp, diagonal wirecutter will do the job.
Save the removed tie as you may need some spares to fill in a gap sometime. They are also used for placing below the rail joiner to keep the look of a continuous run of ties no matter how long the track is. You’ll need to shave the heads off it so it’ll slip under the joint without jacking up the track.
Have fun, George
I also just use my Xuron rail nipper. Since it’s good for cutting nickle-silver rail, cutting somethign softer like the plastic ties won’t hurt it. I just save all the cut ties, by clipping off the ‘spikes’ and hitting the middle of each tie plate with a small file, they slip right under the track. I don;t buy the repalcement ties they sell - no need, just reuse the ones you cut off.
–Randy
What Randy and BigG said
At various times I have used diagonal cutting pliers, a hobby knife, a utility knife, a razor saw and (believe it or not) a fine-toothed hacksaw. It all depended on what was immediately at hand when the need to cut tie webs arose.
About the only thing I HAVEN’T used (other than a carpenter’s saw) is a Xuron tool. I don’t own one.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on a LOT of Atlas code 83 flex track)
either use a rail nipper or cutting tool but mostly I just use an exacto knife.with the track facing rails down just a little pressure makes a nice clean cut and then you can clean off the simulated tie plates so you can slip it back under the rails when your finished.
I’m kind of obsessive about using my Xuron tool only for cutting rails. I’ve got a small pair of diagonal cutters that really work great for clipping the end ties off. The short end is actually easier than using the Xurons, anyway.
Like Randy, I save the ties, trim them and slip them under the completed joint just before I ballast the track.
I have the Xuron super dooper railnipper and I’ve found that it still leaves a small mark on the top of the rail when cutting just cutting ties. I just flip it over, a couple of strokes with my razor saw and done. And yes, save those ties you cut off. There is a round stone that comes with a Dremel set. I use that to create a notch in the tie plate for sliding under the track.
I’ve used my larger sprue nipper as well. But the general rule for cutting tools is, if it is designed to cut a certain hardness of material, like the rail nippers - it is designed for nickle silver, if you try to cut music wire for your Tortoises with it you will ruin it - you can always safely cut something softer without damaging the tool. Plastic is definitely softer than nickle silver rail. So’s the #20 feeder wire I use. I have a pair of heavy-duty hardened cutters for the music wire.
And Chuck - you should give them a try. Far superior to the old way of using a razor saw to cut track. Faster, too. And the ‘good’ side only needs a slight touch with a file, it is generally flat and burr-free because of the design of the tool. The ‘scrap’ side, not so much.
–Randy
Thanks for your concern, Randy. I have a ‘modified’ diagonal cutter that I’ve been using for rails for about forty years now - the ‘good’ face is ground flat and leaves a clean cut. I also dress up and de-burr EVERY rail end, even those on flex and stick rail fresh out of the box. The actual cutting consists of a quick squeeze and it’s done.
The only time I use a razor saw to cut rail is if I’ve screwed up and failed to leave an insulating gap - which happens about once a year, maybe. I DO use one to cut switch ties from sheet stock for my hand-laid turnouts. The hacksaw is available for use on heavy-gauge steel stud material that I use for L-girders.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
is brass 100 code harder than nickle,can i use my rail nippers to cut brass rail without hurting it.
Hmm, that’s a tough call, as there are two common yellow brass alloys and I don’t know which of the two is used to make track. One is slightly less hard than nickle silver, the other is slightly more hard than nickle silver. Nickle silver has no silver in it - it’s actually a different type of brass.
However, I think the Xuron tool is ok for it. They are quite durable.
–Randy