Using Micro Screws Instead of Track Nails

[hcc25rl]

Gracias a Wolfie y Stein Jr. , Tambien

Jimmy

[IRONROOSTER]

I use Walthers Shinorha Code 83 flextrack, and find that even only soldering a single joint, I have a hard time bending it. It doesn’t matter if it’s the inside or the outside rails, I’ve tried both ways.

Maybe it acts different than Atlas flex?

That’s why I solder all joints, after the track is in place. It works for me anyways.

For soldered joints I cut the rail joiner in half. That reduces the stiff straight portion at the joint and makes bending easier. For really tight curves a third or a fourth of the joiner might be needed.

Enjoy

Paul

[richhotrain]

I use Walthers Shinorha Code 83 flextrack, and find that even only soldering a single joint, I have a hard time bending it. It doesn’t matter if it’s the inside or the outside rails, I’ve tried both ways.

Michael,

Stop using Shinorha Code 83 flextrack and switch to Shinohara Code 83 flextrack.

That Shinorha stuff is an illegally produced clone. [(-D]

Rich

[doctorwayne]

Rich is right: nowadays, knock-offs are everywhere. Caveat emptor!

Wayne

[Sailormatlac]

I can see no advantages to screws in this application, Rich. It’s also possible to drive a screw too far. I use track nails (Atlas, I think) but install them using pliers rather than a hammer. Even if they accidentally get pushed in too far, I simply re-grasp them and pull them out. I can’t recall ever pushing them in far enough to affect track gauge. I leave the nails in place after ballasting, as the empty holes would probably be as noticeable as the nail heads.

!http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/doctorwayne/some%20layout%20views/CameraTwopix024.jpg

Wayne

@Wayne… Can’t hardly see them…

I second TA and Doctorwayne. Nails are more versatile and gives you the opportunity to modify the layed track after. My tool of choice: a long-nose plier… Also, using nail makes laying turnouts easier and you can recuperate them without risk after. Easier to clean ballast than caulk (I know want I mean!).

Years ago, when I first heard about caulk, I took a tube of construction glue (the beige stuff used to glue styrofoam to anything - PL300) and glued some track!!! Ahaha! You can’t imagine the joy I had when I pulled out the track a year after! Live and learn! Shinohara Code 83 turnouts barely survived this experiment and went directly to the junk box… were they belong.

Matt

[richhotrain]

Rich is right: nowadays, knock-offs are everywhere. Caveat emptor!

!http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/doctorwayne/GERN%20INDUSTRIES/FauxFlux72.jpg

Wayne

Wayne, that is too funny. Is that for real?

Rich

[Geared_Steam]

Years ago, when I first heard about caulk, I took a tube of construction glue (the beige stuff used to glue styrofoam to anything - PL300) and glued some track!!! Ahaha! You can’t imagine the joy I had when I pulled out the track a year after! Live and learn!

It’s because you used the wrong caulk, which has been mentioned several times over. You chose to use a permanent construction adhesive

LOCTITE® PL® 300 VOC FOAMBOARD ADHESIVERecommended For

• Bonding to all types of surfaces: wood, fiberglass panels, concrete, brick and drywall; it permanently joins foamboard to the substrate without compromising the insulation value of the foam

When you should have used

DAP^® KWIK SEAL PLUS^®

Specially formulated siliconized latex provides maximum adhesion and flexibility for a watertight seal. Paintable. Easy water clean-up. Low odor. Backed by a Crack-Proof Guarantee.

A bad choice leads to a bad experience which leads to bad advice.

This has been well documented through this forum and others.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/155477/1715214.aspx

Anything that would bond concrete and bricks together should have tipped you off [swg]

[doctorwayne]

doctorwayne:

Rich is right: nowadays, knock-offs are everywhere. Caveat emptor!

Wayne

Wayne, that is too funny. Is that for real?

Rich

Well, sorta. There’s a thread on it HERE with more info and photos. There are also several other threads in the same Forum on the same general topic, as there are currently over three dozen people modelling GERN in some form or another.

GERN brand flux is an imaginary product dreamt-up by my brother over fifty years ago. When I got around to building my current layout, I knew that I needed to include a GERN complex. Here’s a view of part of it:

The “flux” is not so much like that used in soldering or metal refining, but more along that referred to in the expression “in a state of flux”. It’s a product with a multitude of variants and uses, as shown by the sampling of ads, below:

An early billboard:

Something from a magazine:

And some more info on another product:

I use GERN (always all caps) as a traffic generato

[richhotrain]

Wayne, that is awesome !

Rich

[bill_arseneau]

Yes,I have! I used #2 screws and #2 brass washers to fasten all of the track in my 36 " tall helix in N scale and have no problems at all. However, track outside of the helix in staging used Atlas track nails. ALL other track is laid with caulk as is the norn.

[doctorwayne]

Thanks for reviving this old thread, which allowed me to replace the missing photo and update the link to the other site. [swg]

Wayne

[Geared_Steam]

and to laugh again at the jokes