I am new to the site here and am just getting started in collecting info and a few supplies. Mainly right now I can't find a good place online that has supplies for handlaying track in G scale in one place. I can get ties from here rail and spikes from there and joiners from somewhere else. Anyone know an all in one place online with good prices?
Though I really like hand layed track in smaller scales and would love to continue in this new adventure. Can you use hand layed track in the garden? On smaller scales you have a wood base, but without having a wood base in the garden is it going to work?
SP Trains,
Here is a good spot for track supplies.
http://www.cocry.com/
A couple of tips for hand laying in the garden.
1. Stay away from stainless steel spikes, they won't "rust in" and hold in the wood. they keep working out.
2. Aluminum rail is a lot cheaper then other options and is perfect for live steam or battery power. It can be successfully used for track power but a lot of variables enter the picture, salt air, smog, soil minerals, etc.
3. If using track power either use bolt on rail clamps or soldered jumper wires for power don't depend on rail joiners.
Hand laid track can be used in the garden and is all the time it just takes a lot more effort than laying HO ties and rail on plywood. You can use a wood base in the garden to lay your track on it just has to be a rot resistant or pressure treated wood.
Garden Railways did an artical by Mark back in the late 90's on hand laying track in the garden. I used that style and have track still in operation from 1998 that was hand laid using that format.
Have fun, it's lots different outside.
Later
Rick
SP,
The articles Norcal Logger referred to can be purchased as a PDF in our store:
Handlaying track
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
TY both of you. that will help a ton. I don't y my last post was blank
Switchcrafters sells composite ties - http://abc.eznettools.net/ez-catalog/X381875/31 and also Al rail. I have heard good things about their switches.
-Brian
This article is no longer in the store. Does anyone know what issue it appeared in?
That link is 5 years old. The article is indeed still available in our store here.
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