Well I have started my adventure in hand laid track. Just a test rig for now but have laid it out with straight track, turnouts and when I get adventurous, crossings. My first try failed miserably. Mashed ties, bent spikes, rails being pushed left & right. So I ripped it all up and started again. This time, instead of starting with a turnout, I just started with straight track. Initially had the same problems as before, so I just spiked bits of rail to the ties for spiking practice. As I went on, I found the right spot to stick the tie before pushing it in. Feeling better I ripped all the spikes out and tried some while keeping the track straight and in gauge. It worked!!!! Much happier now (very disheartened in the beginning) and feeling more confident that I can actually do it. More straight practice (mainly just more spiking practice) in the next day and then I will venture into my first real turnout, a #6 left hand job. If all goes well I will then do a combo track (straight - turnout - main/siding) that is crossed by another track via a pair of 19d crossings - slow and easy on that one. I got alot of helpful hints from people and read alot of articles - without these I would have given up. Cheers Bruce [ 25. February 2004, 22:37: Message edited by: racedirector ]
I haven't tried spiking yet, but I'm sure it requires a lot of practice before you get it perfect. But I though that even if you use spikes, you would still use PC ties for more complex track work such as turnouts and definitely for crossovers. Is it possible to readjust the gauge when spiking?, it probably is, because I know that when I build turnouts, I always have to go back and adjust the gauge on the diverging stock rail (I think that's what it called). Looking forward for some pictures of your first attempt.
Glad you kept at it Bruce The more you do, the more you will be able to do without so much work or ripping things out. Turnouts are fun to build ... but I think you are biting off a big mouthfull if you are going to try to build crossings right now. But .. as you say ... must move along slowly and keep those track gauges close to your work.
What tool are you using to spike with? I personally use a hemostat or needle holder. The surgical tools have a locking mechanism. I lock a spike in the jaw of the tool, push the spike into the tie about 1/2-2/3 of the way and then unlock the tool. I then gently push the spike the rest of the way in. You don't want to push too hard or you will bend the rail. David
David I am using the old faithful needle nose pliers, filed flat at the tip (for pushing) and with a 'T" shaped groove filed into the jaws. These suggestions came from my good friend, Coaltrain. Interesting choice of tool you use though. I might look into one of them as an alternative. Cheers Bruce
