I’ve just completed laying the track on my new [newest] layout, there are a couple of places where the gap between two rails is a little too wide {trains run fine over gap. no derailments] but the gaps are too wide for a good visual appearance. Is there some way I can fill these gaps, maybe with epoxy or something and when hard file it smooth and then paint ?
epoxy, or if you are handy solder
I tried a method proposed her a few days ago without much success. It was to use gel cyano-acrylate (super) glue. My tube was mostly liquid, though newly purchased, and gave me nothing but grief. The idea was to put a small gob between the rails and file it down once hard. I just had a smeared mess.
I would support the soldering method. It improves connectivity and leaves nicely blended rails if done patiently with the right tools.
how wide is the gap? you could cut a dutchman from a piece of scrap rail, slip it in and add a drop uf solder to hold it in.
A question from another perspective:
I have the fiddle yard sliding shelf built and expect to lay the five tracks this week. Considering yard speeds and precise alignment of adjoining tracks; what would be the greatest acceptable gap I could get away with? I’m expecting to have it somewhere in the eighth of an inch range at either end.
Dave (dwRavenstar)
1/8 is fine, i have that much on a swingup bridge and never had any issues with it
one idea to fill the unwanted rail gap is to use a small dab of caulk, I have used this between insulated conections, but with metal track connectors and as long as you already have good coductivity it should work OK, painted/weathered to match existing rail it should be invisible.
have fun & be safe
karl,
Thanks Jav