07-15-2010, 06:33 PM
Hey, I didn't even know this forum was here! I've a few thoughts on Homasote and handlaying. Someone mentioned not using Homasote due to high humidity. My basement has high humidity all summer, even running a dehumidifier. I have no problem with my Homasote, because I paint it with latex paint prior to gluing ties to it. Cutting Homasote is messy, no doubt about it. I initially cut it outside, but that can be restrictive. Downstairs, I took to multiple passes with a utility knife, which works fine. When I no longer had a vehicle with which to bring home sheets, I bought the premade roadbed by California Roadbed Company. Nice stuff, no messy cutting required, no manhandking 4x8 sheets. Ballast shoulders premade, just like cork.
Regarding the posibility of pressing spikes in to hard and bending or kinking the rail, it certainly is possible. It takes just a bit of experience to know how much pressure to use. I've never spiked smaller than code 70 though. I glued the code 55 I used. Not because of fear of kinking the rail, but the spike heads will interfere with wheelsets!
I definitely don't recommend not supporting Homasote! Also, I have never taken the trouble to intentionally rust spikes for better holding power. Truthfully, I've never had a spike rise up. When i wet the ballast to glue it, I'm sure the spikes may eventually rust a bit anyway. I recently decided to pull up a turnback curve which I had superelevated (too much!) and decided to pull up the rail and reuse the same pieces when I'm ready to relay. To remove the spikes, I used an Exacto knife to get under the spike heads and wedge it up a bit, then I pulled with needlenose pliers. This was just a bit more tedious than spiking in the first place!
Regarding the posibility of pressing spikes in to hard and bending or kinking the rail, it certainly is possible. It takes just a bit of experience to know how much pressure to use. I've never spiked smaller than code 70 though. I glued the code 55 I used. Not because of fear of kinking the rail, but the spike heads will interfere with wheelsets!
I definitely don't recommend not supporting Homasote! Also, I have never taken the trouble to intentionally rust spikes for better holding power. Truthfully, I've never had a spike rise up. When i wet the ballast to glue it, I'm sure the spikes may eventually rust a bit anyway. I recently decided to pull up a turnback curve which I had superelevated (too much!) and decided to pull up the rail and reuse the same pieces when I'm ready to relay. To remove the spikes, I used an Exacto knife to get under the spike heads and wedge it up a bit, then I pulled with needlenose pliers. This was just a bit more tedious than spiking in the first place!