rail gap advice

[Anonymous]

Whats the best way to cut electrical gaps in code 83 rail with a Dremel tool? Bit type,size? How wide should the gaps be and should they be filled afterwards and if so with what - CA, epoxy, plastic stock? I will be wiring for DCC. Thanks for any help. Brian

[Anonymous]

I have used Atlas' plastic joiners and put the gaps in as they were arrived at when laying track.

[Anonymous]

I use code 100 track but I used a Dremel and a cut off wheel. It worked for me.

Jeremy

[DSchmitt]

Dremel cut off wheel

I just leave a gap. If the track is secure in the ties and the ties are securely attached to the roadbed there should be no problem. I do sometimes run a bead of ACC along the base of the rail for 1/2" or so. I used to epoxy plastic, wood, or card board in the gap, but found that they often came loose, somtimes causing derailments.

[Fergmiester]

As long as your track is alligned and the gap is no more the width of a dremel cut off wheel you shouldn't have problems. Try to do this on the straight aways as this can be a problem on curved track especially on tight radius turns.

[ClinchValleySD40]

I use a dremel cut off wheel also and ACC a piece of plastic in the gap to keep the rails from expanding back together.

[Eriediamond]

Assuming the the track is already layed, ballasted, etc, the dremal cut cutoff tool is the easiest method I've found but a razor saw could be used also if a dremel tool is not available. I have a set of jewelers files and use them to clean up any burrs left behind, paying close attention to the inside of the rail. If possible, I position the dremel cutoff wheel so it is cuting from inside to the out side which leaves the burrs on the outside of the rail. I' ve had no problems with the rail expanding back together but thats not to say it couldn't happen. Also, it's important to clean up the left over dust or chips.

[SSW9389]

We have had at least two instances where the rail has expanded a bit at the Radcliff Model Railroad Association's (KY) HO layout. That's on the list for repair this Saturday. A dremel cutoff wheel will be used to cut the end back a bit on the rail. Always use eye protection when using those things! It's funny to see the trains go throught the mild "S" curve where this has happened. Not very realistic though.