Joiners

[rminv]

We just got an HO gauge set for our little boy. He's at the stage where he likes to set up a layout on the living room floor, run the trains for a bit, and then detach and rebuild in a different way. The problem is the joiners loosen up quickly with each new configuration.

Given that this occurs on the living room floor and not on a piece of plywood or corkboard, is there a way to keep the tracks together? I've tried to crimp the metal joiners with pliers with mixed success.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[mike8693]

The easiest thing to do is just replace them. They are cheap and are at the most hobby shops. Im assuming they are these. http://www.ehobbies.com/atl170.html...m_medium=shopping+engine&utm_campaign=froogle

 

[rminv]

Yes, these are the kind we are using. They just loosen after 3-4 uses - seems like a waste to have to replace after such a limited usage.

 

[NZRMac]

They aren't really designed to be used over and over, maybe put some track down on a board permanently?

Ken.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Really no way around it. The flexing action of the pliers then joining the track to gether is only weakening the thin materiel thery are made of, nickle silver and brass. The larger Lionel 0-27 three rail track lends itself well to repeated assembly and disassembly.

 

[Cjcrescent]

...He's at the stage where he likes to set up a layout on the living room floor, run the trains for a bit, and then detach and rebuild in a different way...

Thanks,
Tim

Aaahhh, such pleasant memories that brings back.

 

[jtudor]

I would hate to have to count the number of times I connected and disconnected my .027 3 rail track as a kid. When my train was out the rebuilding was constant.

 

[jerryl]

Maybe you should try the track with the roadbed attached. The joints are made to come apart & rejoined...much more substantial. Just stay away from the Bachmann steel track. Jerry