I've started converting my layout to hand laid track, so far only one of my yards with only straight track. My question is how do I lay curved track w/o spending $60.00 on a rail bending tool. My scale is HO, code 83 and I'm gluing rail to the ties with Pliobond. I'm planning on going back and spiking later after the Pliobond has set up. Thanks.
You just curve the rail and spike it down. In 25 years of handlaying track, I've never owned and have never met anybody with a tool to bend rail.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
You'll need to spike as you go.
The Pliobond won't hold a curve by istelf.
Just bend the rail and spike it around the curve. It isn't tough to do. No tool required.
I don't use one, and have laid curves just fine.
Concur.. I spiked two or three locations along the curve that held the (initial) rail in place, then finished spiking that rail down. The second rail is then spiked in gauge with the first. I doubt if glue can hold it properly. "Shaping" the rail by hand risks creating a kink; I found it better to hold those outer points of the curve in position and allow the rail to somewhat adjust to the curve (within the boundaries set by your plan and ties, of course). If properly spiked, there is no need to risk getting glue where you don't want it, as it is difficult to clean up.
Now, when I started with a garden railroad and Code 250 rail, then I needed a rail bender...
Bill
I found that pre-bending the rail for curves eliminates the long-term stress on spikes and enables me to do away with rail joiners. In the past, I have pre-bent my rail by hand. This was with code 70 rail on 18" radius curves. I may try a rail bender in the future, but do not regard it as critical.
Whether pre-bending rail by hand or with a tool, I found it very difficult to get the radius consistent for the last 1/2 inch or so - I would often end up with a kink followed by a relatively straight section. I ended up either cutting the last 1/2 inch off, or gently bending the curve in using pliers.
just my experiences
Fred W