Connecting track

I’m just starting to design and build my own layout. Right now I’m working on a 4 x 8’ table that I would eventually like to turn into a peninsula, as part of a around the wall layout. [:p] (My wife is actually warming up to the idea. [:D] )

I’m going to ask a stupid question but…I’m learning you can always learn quite a bit from stupid questions. You just have to swallow your pride and ask it.

I have quite a bit of Atlas Code 83 sectional track. I just bought a Code 83, 90-degree Walther’s/Shinohara crossing to try out with my Atlas track. (I wasn’t very happy with the Atlas 90-degree crossing that I purchased. It was quite noisy and I thought I’d take a chance on a different brand.)

Well, when my crossings arrived today, I suddenly realized that the Atlas rail joiners were NOT going to fit on the Shinohara crossing. (The rail ends are very similiar to the Atlas flex track - no recess for a rail joiner.)

My question is: What’s the best way to attach together sectional track with a piece of track that has no rail joiner recess? I’m still solidifying my layout design so…I would prefer something “temporary” so that I can still try out ideas. Does the Shinohara track take different joiners? Can I just trim short an Atlas joiner to fit the crossing?

I would appreciate any input any of you “experts” might have for me. Thanks!

Signed,

“Nic” (Novice in Cleveland)

Hi Nic

Since you want to do something temporary, the cut down rail joiner would work fine. I have not uses the Shinohara track but did this on a couple of places using Peco. Of course a more permanent connection could be achieved by carefully removing a tie from the end of the track section, using a full rail joiner, soldering the connection and then sliding the removed tie back under the rails when the track is nailed or glued to the roadbed.