Tips on tracklaying

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of hand laying my own mining track in code 55 i was wondering what size lumber i should use and also if anyone has any tips on hand laying, please let me know. Also, what size, or scale, rail spikes sould i use. i was also wondering about what you think the tightest, or smallest, radius would be for this track.

Shmitty

[Anonymous]

In terms of "lumber" do you mean ties? Most were 9x9 or 8x10 by 8 to 9 feet long. You can get bags of them precut and ready to go. On mining lines, and especially logging lines (where the track is "temporary") the spacing would have been further apart, and the ballast limited to non-existant. In terms of the tightest curve - that is a function of the locos and rolling stock, not the rail itself. For short locos and cars, you can probably go down to 15" radius (in HO) and maybe even 12" if you use easements and are really careful with your trackwork.

EDIT - Don't foget to get a gauge (or two) to help with your track laying, especially on the curves.

Hope that helps.

Andrew