how to lay track

[Anonymous]

I wont to get started in model rail roading but i don't know how to lay track. If you can help me please write back.

[Anonymous]

Here is a whole bunch of articles (some need Adobe reader) from MR on how to get going, including laying track.

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/004/474duagg.asp

Andrew

[cwclark]

this is a big subject....the secret is to keep it level... keep it in gauge...and keep a radius of at least 15" in the curves ...18" if you run engines, long rolling stock, or equipment that have three or more wheels in the trucks...radii over 24" is probably the best ...I would get the proper tools first...I like to use a dremel tool with a cut-off wheel but rail nipper pliers will also do the job...you will need a push pin tool also...I use a small hammer and punch to drive the track nails thru the track and into the roadbed but i must be very careful not to bend the ties by driving the nail in too far...if a tie bends it will get the track out of gauge...you will need a soldering gun (about a 30 watt,) solder (rosin core,) and solder paste to "tin" the electical wires to the rail and the railjoiners that connect the rail...you will also need a flat jeweler's file to remove unwanted solder, a pair of needlenose pliers, razorsaw, railjoiners, track nails, a level with a good straight edge, a pencil, ruler, electric drill with small bits, and a 1/2" x 3/4" board at least 36" long to make a compass to mark your curve radius....(drill a hole about 1/2" from one end of the board and from that hole, measure out how many inches you want for the track radius (15", 18", 24"..ect).. towards the other end of the board,...drill a hole big enough for the pencil to fit in it at the measurement. Drive a nail into the first hole and into the plywood you want to use as your subbed. Put the pencil in the other hole in the board you measured to and then mark the plywood in one big circular motion by rotating the board while holding on to the pencil)...this is your track center of a curve....you may want to use homasote or cork for your roadbed directly under the track...(that's another subject worthy of debate.) Lay the track down and either nail the track down thru the center nail hole located in the ties with a small hammer and punch or use the push pin tool and push in the track nails....i hope you are using flextrack...flextrack will always have a longer inside rail after you bend it into a curve. (be sure that the ties do not bind..they should remain at a 90 degree angle to the rail even in a curve.) Cut the long rail off even with the shorter rail ,add the railjoiners, and continue the process with another piece of flextrack until all the track is laid...

[Anonymous]

MR has published a book about trackwork, it might be a good buy: http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12254.html

I know I've put it on my wish list.