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Planning trackwork for future salvage...

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  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, January 31, 2019 8:12 PM

IDRick
The margin trowel, is that flat edged or notched like a trowel used for applying tile adhesive?

No, it's not shaped like a conventional trowel, like I said, it's shaped like a small spatula, that you would flip eggs with and has a straight edge. 

Didn't mean to confuse with cement finisher tools.  Found in big box stores, by the concrete stuff.

But I think a sharp putty knive would do you just as well.

Mike.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, January 31, 2019 8:12 PM

Recently people talked about stapling roadbed and using Elmers glue for laying track. 

I would definitely not solder turnouts, or probably connectors.

I have a similar intention, but am using a modular approach so I will not have to tear up anything.

Wago connectors seem to be very inexpensive compared to terminal strips.  We had a thread on those a while ago.  Here is what they look like.https://www.wago.com/us/wire-splicing-connectors/splicing-connector/p/222-415

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, January 31, 2019 8:11 PM

I used Atlas track nails and ME spikes to secure track.  It was very easy to pull them out when I dismantled the layout.  No risk of damaging.  Adhesives I didn't feel comfortable with, but I'm risk averse.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    July 2018
  • 661 posts
Posted by IDRick on Thursday, January 31, 2019 7:57 PM

Yes, the Wagos will be used to connect the feeders to the bus.  They are very easy to use and are constructed to be reused.  Troubleshooting under the layout will be simplified with the wagos and it just takes seconds to connect a stripped feeder wire.  I have bad knees so less time under the layout, the better!

Good tips on the adhesive.  The margin trowel, is that flat edged or notched like a trowel used for applying tile adhesive? 

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, January 31, 2019 7:44 PM

For me, I would use regular latex caulk, sparingly, for both the road bed, and the track, and don't caulk down the turnouts, let them "float".  This is what I have done on my current layout.

I take it "wagos" are a type of electrical connector?  Never heard of the term, but thats what a quick search has turned up.

Do they "open" back up after using them? so you can reuse them?

My thoughts on electrical connections, is start over, but that's up to you and how those "wagos" work.

With the latex caulk,  used sparingly, you should have no problem slipping a sharp putty knive, or such tool, under the track, and the road bed, and easily remove both.

I use a tool from my cement finisher days, a margin trowel.  It looks like a small spatula.  I have a few around.  Old habit.

Mike.

  • Member since
    July 2018
  • 661 posts
Planning trackwork for future salvage...
Posted by IDRick on Thursday, January 31, 2019 7:34 PM

I will be retiring in about two years and plan on moving to a new home across the state.  The new layout I am presently working on will not make the move but I would like to salvage turnouts, track, and potentially wiring components (such as the wagos).  Any tips on how to do this? 

Current benchwork is L girder topped by 2x2 joists, then 3/8 inch plywood, and finally 1 inch of pink foamboard.  I will attach cork roadbed to the foamboard and use atlas flex track and turnouts.  Which adhesive works best for attaching roadbed + trackwork yet can be removed relatively easily in the future?  I will not ballast the track.

Thanks!

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