Another stupid question. When laying track, I’ve heard that your are to leave a space at the rail joints for expansion. It seems to me that this would cause derailments. Maybe I’m misunderstanding. TY
The gaps aren’t large–perhaps 1/8" or so. Enough to let the rail expand and contract, but not enough to cause any derailments. The caveat is that dirt and rocks will eventually work their way into the joint, eventually filling the gap keeping the rail from expanding. The remedy is to occasionally slide the offending rail joint back on the rail to clean it. This needn’t be done often–perhaps once every few years as you notice problems.
Later,
K
I do not leave a space at all, i reckon it is a source of potential derailments. I butt them up tight and solder them. Expansion will be covered in your ballasting but if you are at all worried you can buy expansion rail joiners from Richard Hillman. I have a couple in place they really don’t do much as there is no need to but they are beautifully made and very practical as is all of their stuff.
Rgds Ian
I did the same as Ian except I used rail clamps . Last year the rails expanded and snaked in this one spot that was between two rail crossings . This winter I installed one of Hillmans expando tracks in this area . We’ll see if it helps .In this photo you can see the track in its “snake” mode next to the small tree on the front near the rock wall . I didn’t have any derailment cuz of it but it did look weird .