Fitting track

[Ken88]

I am new to Garden Railways, but not to the hobby.  I am currently building a small graden ralilway to understand the basics well enough to begin looking at future expansion. I have a couple of questions.  I am using USA trains brass track which have the rail joiners that you can secure using a small bolt that tightens into a predrilled hole.  I need cut a straight piece of track in order to complete the layout.  After I cut it:

 1) what is the best way to secure the rail joiner to the track? 

 2) Are there any other "gotchas" that I should be aware?

[Rex in Pinetop]

Ken88,

My suggestion for garden/outdoor rails would be to invest in some "rail clamps" either from Split Jaw or Hilman.  My previous layout had both LGB and Aristo joiners.  The LGB are just slip joints.  The Aristo have those pesky little set screws that you either lose or they deteriorate and you can't get them out anymore.  Anyway after about 2 years neither worked worth a darn.  I ended up soldering wire jumpers to the rails, twisting them together, and soldering the twist joint.  It was a major hassel.  This time I'm using Split Jaw clamps and no joiners at all.

But this is just my experience.  You may have better luck with joiners but I don't recommend them for long term outdoor use.

Rex

[ttrigg]

Ken88;

By all means use the Hillman's or Split Jaw clamps.  If you are using sectional track as opposed to "flex" track (5, 8, 10 ft lengths) it could get a little pricey using the clamps.  When you look to expand you will want to look into using the longer lengths of "flex" track and rail clamps.  The clamps give both positive electrical connections as well as positive alignment of the rail joint.

[Ken88]

Rex,

 thanks.  I just looked up the Hillman's and they make perfect sense.  Once I get the layout up and running with what I am currently doing, I going to purchase a bunch of rail clamps and replace the joiners. 

[smcgill]

There is a 2mm tap and drill for the pesky screws!

Brass is easy to tap!