I am building a new layout with a long curve under a mountain. I am using sectional track. Since the curve is not accesable, I was thinking of using re-railer sections to prevent accidents where I can’t get at. My question is … will this help, should I stager the re-railer sections?
Thanks[:)]
I would suggest you make or leave an opening in the backside of the mountain so you can get at the cars in case of a derailment. I have a small section of mountain on my layout thats is built of 1 & 2 inch blue foam covered in hydrocal , and I left a small open area in the back to pull cars out if need be. I also used 2 sections of 36 inch code 83 nickle-silver flex track on that section.(less of a chance for a derailment) the track sections were put down and balasted befor the mountain tunnel was built over it.
A couple rerailer sections would help, but access is necessary. Things are bound to happen that a rerailer can’t fix.
I suggest using flex track. Fewer joints means fewer place where electrical continuity can be lost. Even soldering joints or attaching feeder to every section is an absolute guarentee that there won’t be an electrical problem where it is hard to reach. There will also be fewer potentially bad joints to cause derailments
DEFINITELY use flex-track in the tunnel. I haven’t found a commercial re-railer track section that really works, even Atlas, who sort of invented them. And DEFINITELY have an access hole to pull out any cars that might derail. You will probably find that after time, weather can affect sectional track no matter how well insulated your railroad room is. I found this out the hard way, had to tear up and relay entire sections of my garage layout w/flex-track this summer. At my age, I shoulda known better!
I second the motion to use flex track and leave a opening…There are derailments that rerailers can not help…Now above all be sure your joints are smooth and you track isn’t kink .Another vital part is your wheels are in gauge and coupler trip pins is at the correct height.All of this will help eliminate derailments.[tup]
I 3rd the motion to use flex track!
Seems the Flex has won out. As always … thanks for the help
I fourth the Flex track and access hole. A rerailer at the beggining of each end can’t hurt. It won’t put everycar back on track but it maycome in handy a couple times. Another peice ofgood advice,is if you hear a car derail stop the train. It may be tempting to see if you can get the train out of tunnel but most likely you will just make a small derailment much larger.
Andrew