What to use to mount tracks to layout

[Bubba]

I plan on making a 4x8 layout what do you use to hold the track down.Curious to see methods that are used.

[Anonymous]

For "O" tubular, MTH Realtrax, or Fastrack, use 4X3/4" wood screws.  For 027, use 4X1/2" sheet metal screws.  For Flyer track, use small brads.

[Frank53]

If you intend to ballast your track, the glued ballast will hold the track firmly in place.

[Bubba]

Thanks for the info guys. This forum ROCKS!

[RR Redneck]

I say screws too.

[A&Y Ry]

1-1/4" skinny cabinet screws on my wood tie flextrac.

Long enough to reach thru 1/4" tie + 5/16" cork + 1/2" foam. After ballasting, screws can be removed, holes filled and ties stained with black/brown Sharpies.

[ozoneone]

Funny you mention that.  Las weekend I went to Home Depot looking for #4, 3/4" screws for track (MTH).  I figured I'd need about 100.  They had packs of 100 in #4, 1/2" (steel) for $2.77 but the #4, 3/4" came in packs of 4 (brass) for $.98  so 100 cost $25!

[Birds]

#6 sheet metal screws will fit through the holes in tubular track ties.

While #6 is larger than #4, the #6 grips homasote very well and you end up with very secure track.

#6 can be found in bulk packages of 100 in 3/4" and 1" sizes.

Chris

[A&Y Ry]

If you have an Automotive/Industrial Fastener Distributor in your town, they carry all types and sizes of screws in 100/box units. Also carry about 9 colors of hookup, machine tool and appliance wire #18 -#10 gauge in 100' or larger rolls. Also spade and ring terminals, terminal strips. shrink tube,etc,etc.

A relatively small town like Greensboro has two such suppliers: Automotive Fasteners,Inc. and Piedmont Fastners, Inc.They sell over the counter and you get in line with uniformed mechanics, NAPA employees, factory maintenance guys and such.

[lionelsoni]

Number 6 machine screws will not quite clear the holes in Lionel O31 ties.  Number 4 machine screws will not quite clear the holes in Lionel nor K-Line O27 ties and are not even close for Marx.  However, #6 and #4 sheet-metal screws of those sizes work well with the respective track types.  I advise drilling a pilot hole in the wood.

[Birds]

Bob,

Good point.  I made a mistake in my post.  I checked and I used #6 sheet metal screws, not machine screws.  I modified my post above to avoid confusion. 

Chris 

[lionelsoni]

Now that you mention it, Chris, a "good point" on the sheet-metal screw helps too!..;-)