Putting rail onto tie strips

[nwray1]

Hello - So, what is the trick to sliding my newly bent rail onto the plastic tie strips?  Any tips?  It's driving me nuts!  Thanks.  (ps using Llagas Creek)

[Greg Elmassian]

Lube with liquid dish soap?

There's also some really slippery goop that is used for pulling wires in conduit, you might even find it in home depot.

Regards, Greg

[ttrigg]

You wish me to share the hard-earned secret of putting ties under bent rail? Step one: Pour yourself a large glass of Ice Tea. Step two: Chase the kids to the playground, and the wife to the mall, (language used may not be appropriate for their ears.) Step three: acquire at least one box of Band-Aids. Step four: keep telling yourself that it is all worth the effort. OK, enough with the smart alec remarks, I have poked more holes in fingertips from this task than anything else in life. If you find the secret then I ask you to pass it along. It has been my experience that the tighter the curve the more holes my fingertips experience. It seems to be a bit easier to put the "inside" rail in first, followed by the "outside" rail, per foot long section of tie. WD40 seems to work a bit.

[RMNGER]

I have had the best success using silicone spray on SVRR code 250 nickel silver rail and ties.

Here is my process for assembling rail on to tie strips:

1. Most rail seems to have a rough edge, particularly on the web. Take a fine cut file and debur the bottom and the top of the web and also take a small 45° cut on both of the corners. This will allow the leading edge of the rail clearance when being inserted into the tie.

2. In the case of weathered rail, the weathering solution seems to ‘puddle’ on the rail when being manufactured and when dry leaves a small raised area, especially on the bottom of the web. Take 400 grit sand paper and a sanding block and remove the weathering coat. This leaves the rail with a smooth bottom surface that won’t bind in the tie

3. Take a clean rag and wipe the rail to remove any foreign materials.

4. Next, take a can of silicone spray and apply to the plastic ties in the area the rail contacts. Be careful that the lubricant you choose does not react to the plastic tie.

5. Insert the ties on the rail – one rail at a time.

I know this seems like a lot of steps, but it makes the assembly process much easier (and less frustrating and time consuming in the long run).

Cheers,

[nwray1]

Thanks for the responses!  Sending the family out ASAP so track insertion may commence again!  David