Handlaying HO Gauge Track Using Code 55 Rail

[Sumpter250]

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.