We're looking for a durable, weatherproof, non-metallic (theft proof) way to build a G-scale layout outdoors in front of our HO scale club. Because all of my G-scale trains are either battery powered or live steam, we don't need to use metal rail at all.
My question is, has anyone here ever used Woodflex 1x4 Bender Board turned up on edge for G-scale track by gluing blocks between two boards to keep them the correct distance apart? How durable is this product? Will it withstand the wear and tear of trains running on it?
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Charles,
You might also want to take a look at the plastic track and ties being offer by Train-Li. I think it's much less expensive than brass or even aluminum and is supposed to be suitable for outdoor use.
Walt
I've been unable to find anything on Train-Li's web site that provides any details of their plastic track and whether or not it is UV resistant. At a price of $250 for 100 feet of their "display track" which I think is plastic, the price is not cheap; and it is available only in straight sections.
Two thoughts...
First, I'm not familiar with the particular bender board in question here, and the web site doesn't give a detailed-enough photo to draw any conclusions. The bender board I am familiar with is around 1/4" thick, and 4" tall. You'd be spending a lot of time ripping the boards down to something reasonable, then there's the labor involved in keeping things in gauge. You'd need spacers almost as close together as ties. A spacer every few feet isn't going to give the necessary support needed to keep the "rails" in gauge. Also, you need to make sure the edges of the board are fairly sharp. If they're rounded, then they won't hold the wheels very well. If you're ripping the boards, then the edges will be sharp enough.
My personal thought is that there are far more viable alternatives. The most common is to use aluminum or steel strap (1/8" x 1/2" usually can be found in most hardware stores), and set it into wood ties with 1/8" slots set 45mm apart.
The plastic "display track" as described above is flex track, and can be bent to any curve you'd need for such an application. If I recall, it's a nylon-based product. At $2.50/foot (including ties), and the fact that all you need to do is string the stuff on the ties and you're all set (compared to the labor of the above methods), that's really the way I'd look to go. Props to you for looking for alternatives, but given the cost/time equation, I'm just not convinced the bender board will do what you want it to do.
Later,
K
kstrong I'm just not convinced the bender board will do what you want it to do.
I would be very concerned with warping from prolonged exposure to the elements. I agree with Kevin, nylon rails and ties, is the way to go for ease of installation and long term maintenance.
Tom Trigg
A special thanks to all who responded. I have contacted Train-Li and they are going to send me a sample of their PVC rail and tie strips.
Since Woodflex products are apparently no longer available, we'll probably use the plastic rail from Train-Li.
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