Micro Engineering Rail Connector question

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R

ramcneal

N Scale
I'm using Micro Engineering code 55 flex track for my layout and I also purchased a bunch of their rail connectors. I'm curious to know if there's a better method of getting these little suckers to slide onto the track than what I have found must be done.

I have a small 3" piece of rail that I use to prep the connectors. I first take the connector and split it across the top part of the rail. Once the rail connector has been opened up a little bit I'll work it onto the bottom of the rail where it would normally reside. I have to take my time doing this else I'll bend the connector in half and it's useless. Once that's done I can then use the connector on my actual track and even then the connector is real tight.

I have a couple of Atlas switches which came with four connectors. I used those in one case and found they slip on very easily so it's not something that I'm doing with the M.E. connectors. The M.E. connectors are just built to tighter tolerances.

Suggestions on getting the M.E. connectors to install easier?
 
yup they are tight...a friend of mine actually models N scale and he uses a rubber thimble to push those buggers on....I have no idea how he does it. I model HO so it is a little easier to do. But yep them thing are small LOL Maybe some of the other guys can help ya that are in N scale...
 
I had a similar problem with my Atlas code 80.
If I slipped the jointers on a piece of sectional track first they would go on the flex much nicer . Went on the section much easier and opened the jointer up a little.
The bottom part of the flex rail is taller than on sectional track.
 


Try putting the rail joiner on two short pieces of rail dividing the joiner. Then wiggle the rail pieces to loosen up the rail. It doesn't take much to loosen the joiners with out deforming them.

Harold
 
Two ways you can get them on
1.Take your #11 blade and carefully cut off the spike heads and then slip them on.

2.Flip the track over cut off the ties,join track and then lay the ties down place track over them and ballest.

Hope that helps.
 
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