HO scale Handlaid track

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

This is my first attempt at Hand laying track. What type of tool do I use for nailing in the track spikes? Is there a nail gun or nailer for this?

Jim

2

Kadee used to make a tool that was basically a powerful hand staple gun. It was called “The Spiker”. It hasn’t been made for quite some time and if you find one for sale is very expensive. I have seen them advertised as “for rent” but I don’t remember where. I believe Kadee still sells the spike replacement staples. I use a small pair of needle nosed pliers. Grip the spikes just below the head and drive in as far as you can then use the flat tip end of the pliers to drive all the way in. There are some tools made to drive the spikes which are available in the Walthers catalog but I find the pliers to be the best tool. Good luck and enjoy. Handlaid track not only looks super but is very relaxing and gives a great sense of accomplishment. Roger Huber

3

The Kadee spiker was good at nicking the railhead and applying spikes with sufficient force to bend rail slightly. I’ve seen rail that was removed after having been first installed with the Kadee tool that was curled upward on its entire length due to the deformation the spiker caused.

Me too. I tried the Walthers brand tool but prefer using pliers.

4

Jim,

I use this tool from Micro Mark. It has a “T” groove at the end of the pliers to hold the spike. I have used this for years and it works quite well.

http://www.micromark.com/spike-insertion-plier,8242.html

Scott

5

I took a pair of cheap long-nose pliers and grooved the end to hold spikeheads. The final push is made with the closed end of the spiking pliers.

Unless you:

  1. Are driving spikes into something extremely hard.
  2. Have the fine touch with a hammer of an engraver or brain surgeon.
  3. Are laying tracks for large scale live steam.

You don’t want to use any kind of hammer to drive spikes.

I have hand-laid a lot of track, but these days I prefer the `look’ of flex track. My prototype used a lot of concrete-tie main track, and I’ve yet to see concrete ties hand laid. Hand laid is more appropriate for pre-1900 or poverty-stricken lines that can’t afford tie plates.

Chuck (Modeing Central Japan in September, 1964 - on flex track with hand-laid specialwork)

6

I use the same, and have been very satisfied with them.

7

I just use a regular pair of needle nose pliers with no modifications. I’ve used ones with noses from about 2" to 3 inches long. Seems to work fine.

8

Thanks Scott! I ordered one today.

9

Thanks to all who responded. I went with the Spike insertion Pliers from Micromark.

Jim