Rehabilitating problematic track work

[gbbari]

In another thread on calculating grades, Steamdonkey noted that he had uneven track work that caused some derailments. He wrote:
" ... What I've done so far is to tear out a too-long 1*6" bridge and changed the landscape so a two-foot bridge suffices. I do indeed lay my sectional track on crusher-fine ballast and then top-up for a more realistic (i wish) look. I use the supplied aristo/usatrains rail joiners with extra screws. i am just about ready to buy a fistful of rail clamps for the 'problem' joints where the rails don't line up nicely. Part two after replacing the bridge is playing with ballast to level things as best I can. The thing is, I have a feeling the track does not simply lie flat on it's base -- there are some other factors kicking in like torque between track sections, which cause rail to lift and bend."

Installing rail clamps to hold track in place that would otherwise twist or kink and create problems may not be the best solution. I suggest it is better to get to the root of the problem: what is causing the forces that are trying to move the track? It sounds like the track was installed in some places by forcing sections together that would not otherwise normally line up and meet, had the track manufacturer's designed geometry been followed.

But the solution is not difficult. Add a piece of cut-to-fit track where you had to pull two ends together! Or, re-bend some curves or use flex track to create non-standard curves so that you aren't (for example) trying to make a 9 ft diameter curve out of 8 ft diameter track sections. Whatever you do, take the torquing forces away from your track or you will always be plagued by unevenness.

AL

[steamdonkey]

Thanks for posting this. All good sound advice. i reworked my problematic section of track, and my preliminary tests were positive. then the rain started. There was one spot where one side of the track just insisted on leaning up, for no apparent reason (even after I tried various stress-relief techniques (no - no romantic back rubs or any of that!) and I finally tied it down with a loop of wire. Seems happy for now. I'll keep y'all posted. Plus I have a cool idea for a track-imperfection magnifier, which i aim to share within a week. /PhM

[gbbari]

steamdonkey

Thanks for posting this. (SNIP) There was one spot where one side of the track just insisted on leaning up, for no apparent reason (even after I tried various stress-relief techniques ...... and I finally tied it down with a loop of wire.(SNIP)

Glad its working out. It would be great if you could post some pictures of your progress.