I'm getting ready to order some handlaying materials.
For those of you that do this, does brand matter? Am I getting better quality from one to another?
If so, where would I find quality HO (probably Code 83) rails/ties?
Thanks!
I think most sources for wood ties are good quality these days but what they may not be is easily mixed and matched -- the lengths vary (as did the lengths of prototype ties) and, more crucially, the heights of ties vary. So it pays to find a brand and stick with it at least for similar uses -- main line versus yards versus sidings etc.
Campbell has been making popular wood ties for decades. There are other makes such as Kappler which I am sure are just fine. I use Micro Engineering spikes and have been happy with them but they are tiny little things
Dave Nelson
TrainsideI'm getting ready to order some handlaying materials.For those of you that do this, does brand matter? Am I getting better quality from one to another?If so, where would I find quality HO (probably Code 83) rails/ties? Thanks!
The LaVancil code 81 rail had the most accurate cross section, but is pretty difficult to find. The various makes of code 83 rail vary in thickness of the rail head, web, and base. The rail code only specifies the height. Atlas codes 83 rail is the widest, and Micro-Engineering (ME) is the narrowest and closest to prototype after LaVancil. Most rail sold independently is ME. The usual source for the other brands is to strip flex track.
Unless you find the LaVancil steel (lead steel alloy for soldering and no rust) version, or are stripping flex track, all rail is nickel silver.
As was already posted, ties vary in size from one manufacturer to another (as did prototype tie specs from one railroad to another and from one era to another). I like the Mt Albert which specify the tie size in scale inches. I also have some old Timberline redwood ties from 30+ years ago. These were not nearly as consistent in thickness as their Campbell counterparts that I also used. Sanding the tie tops before laying the rail took care of any thickness discrepancies. The redwood ties looked just right for my Oregon short line - and don't need to be stained. Clover House still has some redwood ties in HO bridge tie size. If the Mt Albert ties won't stain into a suitable redwood color, I will probably obtain a miniature table saw and cut my own redwood when present stock runs out.
For spikes, my favorite is the near scale spikes from Proto87 Stores. Andy also has some of the best prices on ME rail. The ME micro spikes, although bigger than Proto87 Stores spikes, are still reasonable looking spikes. The ME micro spike points have not been consistent in recent batches, causing more bent spikes and split ties than I would expect. ME is reportedly trying to find another supplier with better quality control. Finally, Steve Hatch of Railway Engineering shows how to make your own spikes from steel wire on his web site.
Steve Hatch also has tips on how to lay track and make rough-hewn ties on the Railway Engineering site. And he makes roller track gauges to your specs, as does Russ Simpson.
just my experiences, your choices
Fred W