So the ribbon-rail tool does NOT fit down between the rails like the FastTracks’s Sweepsticks?
Yes it does, as I just posted in another thread you replied to. Ribbon Rail is metal, and they fit between the rails.
Mike.
Back in a 2017 reply to this thread, someone mentioned that the Ribbonrail gauges do not fit well with Atlas flex track. I have not found that to be the case. I am using my Ribbonrail Metal Track Alignment Gauges right now on my new layout. They fit Atlas flec track very well.
The gauges are made in both 5" and 10" lengths. Get the 10" lengths.
I recently bought more of the 32" curve radius gauges, so I now have six of them to complete some curves - - - three per 36" section of flex track. I also have six 10" straight track gauges.
Rich
In the early 1990s, before I built my previous HO layout, I made my own curved templates.
Taking a piece of good 1/4 inch ply, I drew quarter (1/4th) circles using a yardstick as a compass. I started at 18 inches and worked up inch by inch to 36 inch. Then, using a bandsaw with a fine blade, I cut out the curved strips.
They served me well on the previous and current layout, cost about $10 and a couple hours time, and worked like a charm.
They are cut so they are 1 inch wide, and marked with inside and outside diameters. Unlike Ribbonrail, they will not fit inside the rails, but will work outside the rails and they are especially good at making curved centerlines.
Ha, when money was a bit tight, we do learn to improvise.
I used Ribbonrail sections just fine with Atlas track on my previoous layout. Especially the 10" straight one, carefully slide that along some freshly caulked flex where I want it to be straight and it all ends up quite nicely straight, with hardly a wiggle.
–Randy
Since this thread has been revived - again - it might be useful to point out that the similar track alignment template tools made by JMD Plastics, a very extensive line, are likely unavailable since JMD rather abruptly closed shop this winter. See this thread:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/268954.aspx
The JMD templates were useful for flextrack curves because they were longer than the Ribbonrail curves.
Dave Nelson
For normal trackwork, yes, it does fit between the rails. My picture shows an alternate use, for girder rail (street-running or trolley track) where the wheels run in a channel in the middle of the rail rather than on top of the rail head.
I used a thin plastic brick sheet for cobblestones around the girder rail. Once again, the Ribbon Rail tool proved its worth when measuring and cutting the correct curves in the sheet to fit around the rail.
I just laid a 32" radius curve using the Ribbonrail Metal Track Alignment gauges.
You can even insert eaements.
After soldering two sections of flex track together, I laid out the soldered flex track and inserted a few 32" radius Ribbonrail gauges between the rails. As I neared the adjacent straight section of track, I inserted a 34" radius gauge followed by a 36" radius gauge.
This made the joint between the curved track and the straight track less abrupt.
Rich
Wonder if someone that has completed their layout has some of these Ribbonrail gauges as surplus?
The alum construction is appealing. Do the ends join together if using multiple 10" sections,…or is this even necessary??
The ends do not join together, but you can butt them up against each other. But I don’t do that. I pretty much evenly space three 10" guides inside a 36" section of flex track.
Rich
RibbonRail
The more I read about these track tools the more I like.
I was down at a local sign makers shop today in search for some items he had discarded out back, and I discovered some nice thin alum sheets. I think I may try making some of my own by using either my really nice precision Makita jigsaw, or the band saw of a friend on mine.
Ive used the Sweep Sticks from Fast Tracks and the Ribbon Rail guages. Sweepsticks have holes like the Peco Tracksetta. With Ribbon rail, Ive found that the width is slightly smaller than the track gauge, so it should be noted that if you are not paying close attention, you can get slighly less than the indicated radius or slightly more than the indicated radius.
If you lay the track so that the inside rail of the curve is touching the ribbon rail only at the tips while it is flat, you will never be less than your minimum radius.
I particularly like the idea of using these track gauges ‘across’ the end joints between two pieces of track.
Going to a train show here in FL this Sat. I will look for some of these.
Making Ribbonrail Type Gauges
I’ve found a great supply of reality thin alum sheet material at my metal scrap yard.
With a good bandsaw or jig saw I should be able to make a good selection of Ribbonrail type gauges.
Anyone done this, and/or suggestions??
I suppose if you have a very good and very reliable cutting tool, this make work for you. However, the Ribbon Rail Metal Track Alignment Gauge is a precision tool that fits firmly inside the rails to provide an exacting radius.
It would be better to use metal than wood or plastic in my experience, so you are at least selecting a reliable material. Good luck with this and let us know the results.
If it works satisfactorily, it would be very useful to make several different lengths. Ribbon Rail makes both a 5" length and a 10" length, but I only find the 10" length useful, and I would surely purchase longer lengths if they made them available, perhaps as long as 24" or so.
Rich
I found a whole butch of ‘ex-street sign’ material.
And I have a nice router that I plan on using to cut my helix roadbed. It will have no problem cutting that sign material. So it will make an interesting experiment.
And yes I think a few longer lengths will be in order.
Another thing about the Ribbonrail gauges worth mentioning is that the gauge “snaps” into place between the rails to ensure a tight fit. If the track is not perfectly straight, you will not be able to snap the gauge into place between the rails. On curves, that snapping effect forces the flex track into the proper radius.
If you are going to make your own gauges, you will need exact tolerances to achieve that snapping effect.
Rich
Has anyone had experiences with these track laying tools??
Brian, that is girder rail pictured, that’s why mrB is using it on the outside. Ribbon rail fits between the rails otherwise. Also great for hand laying to set the opposing rail in gauge.