Hi,
what type of pins should I use to pin my track to my foam base
that won’t interfere with rolling stock?
I like to just pin the track down until I know that everything is working fine,
before I start glueing it down.
So far, I tried these types of pins:
The ones with the big round heads and the “T” pins interfere with my rolling stock,
no matter where I put them. Their heads are just too big in N scale.
The regular sewing pins don’t, but their heads are so small, that they don’t secure
the track all that well.
Are there other types of pins out there that I’m missing?
Don’t know what kind of track you are using. I’d try to place the larger pins at the sides of the ties. Perhaps you get better clearance there? Down the centerline of the track is too tall to use anything other than sewing pins. Track nails could also be used. Tiny brads you get at the hardware store come in about 1/2 in length. The foam should be easier than plywood to drive these nails into.
Mostly, the pins will be used to mark lines where your cork or other subroadbed material will go. Also, the pins will secure the track while the glue & ballast dries, then can be removed. You could still use some track nails for curves & other critical places.
I would use track nails from Atlas. You can get a few hundred for $2 at the hobby shop. But only for temporary placement. You should glue your track down and take the nails out if it is permanent because the nails will work out of the foam and cause problems.
I’d use the “T” pins on the sides of the track, outside the rails, between the ties.
Thanks for your replys, guys.
To clarify: I’m using Peco c55 track & turnouts.
I’m not planning on permanently pinning the track down, but since I’m
using DCC, I’d like to be able to lift out a turnout to add an insulated joiner if needed.
Once everything is working, I’m gonna glue everything down.
The “T” pins or the ones with the big round heads will hit parts on my rolling stock,
no matter where I place them. Even when placed at the end of the ties.
This makes trial runs difficult.
But I’ll look into track nails, as suggested. Or maybe I’ll check out HD to see if I can
find small long nails with a bigger flat head than sewing pins.
i think i’m right in saying that theres a horseshoe nail i.e U shaped so as to fit over the ties and hopefully not foul the stock