RibbonRail, Heat Sink while Soldering
Interesting,...I think I need to get some of this stuff
TBat55 My vote is for Ribbon Rail. It acts as a heatsink when you solder so ties don't melt and make accurate curves where strings or trammels won't fit. Also keeps the curve when a heavy weight is put on top for caulk to dry.
My vote is for Ribbon Rail.
It acts as a heatsink when you solder so ties don't melt and make accurate curves where strings or trammels won't fit.
Also keeps the curve when a heavy weight is put on top for caulk to dry.
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
Doughless Randy, Good point about working with ME track. I never have used ME and was making an assumption. I think bending Atlas flex into a sharp radius is a pain, which is why I use sectional track for long 90 degree curves, or 180 degree or longer turnback loops; without easements. I assume his question was intended for laying a long span. I just solder 3 or 4 pieces of sectional track together to form a large section to work with, then trim to fit if needed before installing it on the layout. Fewer joints to kink when installing. and 3 or 4 pieces of sectional track equals 1 piece of flex, but pre-curved consistently.
Randy,
Good point about working with ME track. I never have used ME and was making an assumption. I think bending Atlas flex into a sharp radius is a pain, which is why I use sectional track for long 90 degree curves, or 180 degree or longer turnback loops; without easements. I assume his question was intended for laying a long span. I just solder 3 or 4 pieces of sectional track together to form a large section to work with, then trim to fit if needed before installing it on the layout. Fewer joints to kink when installing. and 3 or 4 pieces of sectional track equals 1 piece of flex, but pre-curved consistently.
A hint to working flex into tighter radius (Atlas, Walther's ,Picco) is to over flex a few times and increase the pressure as you do the over flexing. this will start to bend the rails making it a bit easier to pull around the tight turn. T pins are a life saver when laying out the turns.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Making Ribbonrail Type Gauges
I've found a great supply of reality thin alum sheet material at my metal scrap yard.
With a good bandsaw or jig saw I should be able to make a good selection of Ribbonrail type gauges.
Anyone done this, and/or suggestions??
Has anyone had experiences with these track laying tools??