Edit topic

Updated your discussion topic below.

Subject
Enter a subject for your topic. Maximum 150 characters.
Post Body
Enter your post below.
So I was doing some handlaid turnout construction practicing tonight. Things were going well. My frog was looking sweet. My switch points were sharp and burr-free. But then when I went to spike everything into place, things went downhill. I was practicing on a piece of scrap 2 x 4. I quickly discovered that the density of the wood varies enough to make spikes impossible to drive into some spots. And if it's where I need spikes, I'm out of luck! So I'm looking for alternatives, including homasote. Has anyone used it for hand spiking? I like the idea of wood - seems like it will hold spikes forever, but the natural variation is just too great. I suppose an alternative may be to get some real high quality wood or something. I may also consider soldering to PC ties instead of spiking. The cool thing about spiking is that I could ballast first - which gives perfect-looking ballasting. Hmmmm.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag
E-mail Subscribe
Check the box below if you want to receive e-mail notifications when replies are made to this thread.

Receive notifications

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!