Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - Printable Version

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Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - hminky - 01-07-2009

I have a "what I did" about code 55 rail at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/1905/code_55/

[Image: 000010_ho_loco.jpg]

Thank you if you visit
Harold

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - Sumpter250 - 01-07-2009

Code 55 rail, in HO, measures out to 4.785" tie surface to top of railhead.
Code 100 rail, in O, measures 4.8".
Sounds like an excellent choice to me.

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - nachoman - 01-07-2009

Good to see you here, Harold. And good article. I have been (slowly) handlaying code 55 in HOn3, and have been spiking every other tie on curves, and every 4th tie on straightaways. Do you pre-bend the rail for the curves?

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - Steamtrains - 01-07-2009

That's some REALLY good tracklaying...Keep us posted when you get to the final result.... Thumbsup

BTW...Good to see you here as well.... 2285_

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - eightyeightfan1 - 01-07-2009

I don't know how you guys do it.
Handlaying track.....
I have enough trouble keeping flex track aligned.

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - hminky - 01-08-2009

nachoman Wrote:Good to see you here, Harold. And good article. I have been (slowly) handlaying code 55 in HOn3, and have been spiking every other tie on curves, and every 4th tie on straightaways. Do you pre-bend the rail for the curves?

If the geometry of the track is right the rail bends into the right radius between rail joiners.

[Image: 002405_bad_track2.jpg]

The rails in the replaced track on the left only need a few spikes to keep them in gauge. The piece of roadbed on the right had a kink.

I am only spiking every 12-15 ties and it stays in gauge.

Harold

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - LynnB - 01-08-2009

Another nice how to , keep up the great work Harold.

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - Russ Bellinis - 01-08-2009

Harold, I always enjoy your "how to's", glad to see you made it over here.

Re: Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail - Sumpter250 - 01-08-2009

Quote:I am only spiking every 12-15 ties and it stays in gauge.
The Lake County Model Rail Road Club, used the same "rule" for spiking the hand layed track. We had a "re spiking" of all the major traffic areas, because of constant gauge problems. As it turned out, the "every twelve to fifteen ties", left the rails highly susceptible to temperature changes, and the rails would go in, and out of gauge, with the "weather".
I hand spiked code 70, on an eight by ten modular layout, every third tie. There's not much left of that layout, but what track there is, is still in gauge, and 36 years old.
I am happier with the ease of laying flex track these days.......the old knuckles aren't up to hand spiking any more. 357