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Do you glue down or nail down your track?
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I model in N-scale and just finished laying the main line of my new layout. It's about 120' point to point with a helix at the midpoint between east/upper and west/lower staging. I am using a variety of tracklaying methods. I am definitely going to try the latex caulk when it's time to permanently attach track and ballast, but I am nailing most of the track down onto Midwest Cork roadbed with Atlas nails through tie-holes so I can have a good number of operating sessions to see if trackage for industry and my division point yard arrangement is suitable for good operation. I used Liquid Nails on 40' of track on the helix and on several curves on grades without turnouts. Also, I've used Liquid Nails on the cork roadbed. But I am using Atlas nails to hold most of the track in place until I am satisfied with operation. To insert the nails I predrill a hole through the hole in the ties with a pin vise and a #62 (or thereabouts) drill bit. Then I set the nail in the hole and push it in with the other end of the pin vise, which has a little indentation that fits well over the nailhead. I have not had problems with pins coming up or with track going out of alignment. I put nails every 5-6 inches. Under the cork road bed is smooth, good quality 1/4" plywood. I can recommend this method. <br /> Also, I have really enjoyed using Woodland Scenics foam risers. I have used several 2% grades on the mainline and used the 4% grade on the branchline. I've used Liquid Nails #300 for foam on these, permanently attaching the cork, but I am going to try to caulk next. I don't plan to move track in the staging yards so I may just trying caulking those tracks right away. <br /> <br />Bob Boomsma <br />Madison, WI
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