How to attach track before glue...

[Dougget]

I've been working on my layout on a plywood table and still have a couple of turnouts to buy/install. I plan to use flex track for some of the turns. What I'm finding is that the flex track wants to un-flex. When this happens tracks start to come apart, or I get kinks between sectional track.

Anyway, I think it's time to get my 2" foam base installed. Once the foam is on the table, I'd like to get the track set up and run trains to ensure good alignment, proper turn radius, etc. Once all is good, I'll mark the track location and remove it to install roadbed, paint the foam, etc.

While running the trains, track on foam, but before ballast and glue, is it possible to "pin" the track to the foam so it doesn't move around? I was thinking about using some 2" trim nails (the type that come in sticks for nail guns), bend about 1/4" over at the top to hook onto the ties when the nail is pushed into the foam.

What do you think? Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Doug

 

[suprduc]

I use the track spikes/nails from Atlas that are about 1/2" long and use the holes in the track ties. Makes it very easy to change track position here and there and keeps the track in position while building the curves.

 

[Rotorranch]

Atlas track nails might not be long enough to go through the roadbed, and still get a bite in the foam.

I have heard of using two inch long "T" pins to temporarily tack the track down. Sounds like it would work to me.

Rotor

 

[Dougget]

No roadbed yet. Just track on foam.

My goal is to get the track perfect, then mark up the foam so I can remove the track, apply the roadbed, and paint the foam.

T pins make sense. Saves me the work of bending all those nails

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Airslide]

while i was doing this, i didnt run any live trains. i used the T pins (found at michaels in the fabric section). I wouldnt suggest nails only because if you nail through the foam into the wood they you will have a serious mission ahead of you. having just done this recently, id say lay the track, get the connections alligned, use the T pins to hold the track in place while you mark the pattern. lay/glue the roadbed & track in parts (as opposed to all at once in one preverbial motion). as the glue dries, make sure the track is alligned. depending on the type of adhesive you use you usually have a few hours of wiggle room to adjust allign and so fourth. use one or two rolling stock to ensure percision as the track is laid.

I also used flex track for some straight sections, but it dosent seem like the easiest thing to work with on curves. but i guess that depends on the degree of the curve. if you are a beginner, i wouldnt suggest it for any sharper curves.

needless to say I am very pleased with my results.