setting turnouts

[jaretos]

Need some help. Getting ready to lay track on my layout. I am using Atlas code 83 flex with Atlas #4 turnouts. I have a latex caulk ready to glue flex, but was wondering if i can carefully use caulk to set turnouts. If not, what other way is recommended? I have put down cork roadbed on top of 2" foam, for the record. Thanks in advance!!

john

[Anonymous]

I don't glue my turnouts in case I have to replace them. I spike them instead if needed.

[cwclark]

yes gary is right...Atlas sells a long rail spike that you can spike the turnout down with..use a punch to drive the nail spikes with so that you won't hit the rails with a hammer..place them in the small nailholes that you see in the turnout ties, but don't spike the frog..it has to float a bit for it to work properly....any glue at all on the moving parts of the turnout points and you'll have a turnout that's toast...chuck

[nfmisso]

John;

The three tracks connected to the turnout will hold it in place fine.

[jrbernier]

I have to disagree with this 'floating stuff'. Turnouts should be spiked down. And add spikes aroung the frog area to keep all the rails in that area level is the key to good operation. Where you want some clearance is around the points. Cut a small 'trench' around the throwbar area so it does not bind(and so grains of ballast will not cause a problem in the future). All 46 turnouts on my layout are spiked(Atlas code 100 on Homabed or cork roadbed) and I have had NO problems.

Jim Bernier

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrbernier

I have to disagree with this 'floating stuff'. Turnouts should be spiked down. And add spikes aroung the frog area to keep all the rails in that area level is the key to good operation. Where you want some clearance is around the points. Cut a small 'trench' around the throwbar area so it does not bind(and so grains of ballast will not cause a problem in the future). All 46 turnouts on my layout are spiked(Atlas code 100 on Homabed or cork roadbed) and I have had NO problems.

Jim Bernier

the reason i said this is because if you nail the frog down there is a chance that the rivets in the turnout where the point rails meet the closure rails will bind and the points can get out of gauge or if too tight they won't move at all on atlas turnouts...I never nail the frog down..the two holes in the frog are for screwing the brass bar in place so that a wire can be soldered to the other end under the turnout to power the frog...Chuck

[Blind Bruce]

When you do spike the any rai, be very careful not to get too agressive. It is easy to throw the track out of gauge.
BBl

[jaretos]

thanks for the advice. i am using track nails for the turnouts and latex caulk for everything else. started last night with no problems. i appreciate the help!

john