THis is like politics or religion - no one is going to convince the other side. At least until they actually try it.
Faster? If you have to drill holes in the ties first, there is zero chance nailing the track is faster than laying it with caulk. By the time you get 3 holes drilles (I am assuming you drill 3 holes per length of flex, one at each end and one in the middle), I will have that piece already down with caulk.
Once the holes are drilled - sure, it goes faster. But you have to count the drilling time. So even if you sit at the bench and prepare a dozen sections by drilling all the holes first, while you're doing that, I'm getting track in place on the layout. It doesn't get much faster, or easier. What's so hard about spreading a thin bead of caulk and then setting the track down? Aligning it is the same as if you were going to nail it down, except it will stay and you can't kick it one way or the other by accident if you hit the nail slightly off center. If the previous section is powered, I run trains over it right away to test it. Ballasting needs to wait, but it should anyway, until you are absolutely sure the track is good regardless of how it gets fastened.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
doctorwayne Tinplate Toddler Why use nails to fastened the track?... I used nails for all the track on the main level of my layout, simply because it's both easier and faster. The only time they're visible is in a photo.
Tinplate Toddler Why use nails to fastened the track?...
I used nails for all the track on the main level of my layout, simply because it's both easier and faster. The only time they're visible is in a photo.
Same for me; easier and faster. Don't have to wait for adhesive to set.
After track is ballasted the nails can be removed if the appearance isn't good.
I can't see any need for a jig to drill a simple hole in a tie - poke it with the tip of an old draughting compass to create a starting point, then use a properly-sized drill bit in your pin vise to complete it - ten seconds, perhaps, as we're not drilling full-size railroad ties. Wayne
Wayne
I just use a tiny drill in a pin vise to drill any holes. My hands aren't the steadiest but it works ok.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
subman...at 80 y/o my hands are not that steady any more so that is why I asked about the jig...
Fair enough, Bob, so I apologise for my somewhat flippant reply. While I'm not yet your age, I'm no spring chicken, either. I am fortunate to still have fairly steady hands.
Why use nails? Simply because they are faster and easier to take the track up from the homasote road bed, Wayne at 80 y/o my hands are not that steady any more so that is why I asked about the jig. I have to drill 7 holes in each piece of track so I have rigged up a jig for a hobby drill press to do them but do not have a jig for the individual ties, I will follow your suggestion for my fast track turnouts though, The drill is centered over the length of track and I just pull the track along the jig but the peco ties are narrower than the C100 peco ties I have the jig for.
Bob D
Bob D As long as you surface as many times as you dive you`ll be alive to read these posts.
Tinplate ToddlerWhy use nails to fastened the track?...
I can't see any need for a jig to drill a simple hole in a tie - poke it with the tip of an old draughting compass to create a starting point, then use a properly-sized drill bit in your pin vise to complete it - ten seconds, perhaps, as we're not drilling full-size railroad ties.
Why use nails to fastened the track? I use pins to hold the track down while the glue sets, than remove the pins prior to ballasting. No nails or spikes means none of them being sucked up by the magnet in the speaker of your loco.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Are you wanting to drill a nail hole in the center of a tie, like Atlas Snap-Track does?
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That is a bad idea. Nail holes should be next to the rails for better appearance. I fill in the holes in my snap track to get rid of that unsightly opening. I would not put a nail in it.
If you really want to do it this way, you really should be able to eyeball it.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Does any one know of anyone who sells this type jig. There used to be a guy from Michigan who had a hobby milling machine and he made them out of aluminum and the jig fit perfectly over the tie and had a hole for a drill bit that centered on the tie lengthwise and crosswise. He sold me one for Peco c100 ties but that was many years ago and I have forgotten his name.
Thanks