OK, I think I’m going to mark my layout, dig a trench and line it with landscape fabric, and put down gravel for roadbed. Everything I’ve read indicates that track clamps, instead of joiners, are the way to go. They ain’t cheap, though.
I’ve found these on eBay. Will these do the job? I have LGB sectional track.
They say they are compatible with LGB track under the description, so I guess you would have to go with that. I’ve never seen clamps like these before though. Can you order less than 250 (maybe a 10 pack) to test them out to confirm they will work?
Yes, that’s one of the many types of clamps, should work fine. Remember that you need 2 clamps for every joint. So, 125 track joints. Count up your track pieces that you will be using, and multiply by 2. This is what you’ ll need.
Paul
Also, this type requires to remove the existing rail joiners, as these clamps go directly on the rail.
I counted all of my track pieces: 45 pieces, so I figured 90. I picked 100 clamps on the eBay link–is 250 showing up? You can order 10, 50, 100, or 250.
I watched a video (DIY & Digital), and he was using clamps like this. The over joiner clamps are much more expensive.
Great !
Please show a picture of your layout when you get it running. Would love to see it !
Paul
Sorry…late to the fight with this one…We have experimented with Split-Jaw over the joiner and direct to rail clamps as well as the TrainLi clamps similar to ones @garya bought. For us, with high temperatures and tight curves, the over-the-joiner ultimately worked best. The TrainLi clamps are much cheaper, and they work greaty on straightaways. Be prepared, however, to retighten the screws from time to time.
Regardless, if you are a track power holdout as I am, the trains will run much better with clamps, whatever brand or style you choose. They are well worth the investment.
Eric