I’m wondering before I begin about your experience with code 70. I enjoy handlaying track (from what I can recall), but since my new project needs to be semi-permanent/portable, I wonder if the smaller rail will be too fragile to use. I thought about code 83, but if I’m going to do that, I thought I may as well go to code 70. Thanks- Mike
I don´t think, that the size of the rail you use is an issue in the question of portability. I have seen portable layouts with code 40 rail. In any case your track needs to be properly laid and fastened.
Unless you are planning to stand the disconnected modules vertically on unprotected rail ends, track of any code should be satisfactory.
OTOH, if you ever do stand a disconnected module on unprotected rail ends, even code 100 will probably sustain damage. (Don’t ask how I learned this!)
The key to keeping spikes tight and rails properly aligned is to assure that the supporting structure is rigid. Solid frame construction results in solid trackwork. Even if inverted, spikes won’t loosen under the minor stress of having to support the weight of the rail if the underlying roadbed doesn’t move.
Several of the sidings on my ‘end of the railroad’ module were hand laid with code 70 rail - in 1980. Since then, that module has survived five major moves, a couple of shorter relocations and some serious climactic upsets. None of the trackwork has suffered any noticeable problems. That module is operational today, and is operated quite regularly.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
i built a portable layout last year with handlaid code 70 and i had no issues. as for the end of track at the joins i spiked every tie for 6 ties in from the edge and secured the spikes with CA. the removable section took the most abuse with being opened and shut repeatedly and the rails held firm.
Dan
While Code 70 is somewhat delicate, remember that Ntrak has used the not-much-larger Code 80 rail for years, and those modules get put up and taken down alot. Were it not for compatability issues I suspect the Ntrak folks would happily switch to Code 55. If the base has any kind of stability at all Code 70 should be fine.
Dave Nelson
Since you are hand-laying you can use tricks to beef up the ends, things like PC ties that are stronger than wood. In fact you can make up an end with a plate with screw hole and PC ties soldered to it for the last 2 inches or less, your connecting piece of track would cover the screw and a little temporary ballast and you have it. Now I know some of you don’t like the temporary ballast and others do. With this system I am sure you could use the smallest code possible without a problem.