Micro engineering track

[zoegraf]

The Proto87 shops has rail and you have a choice between full bundles and anything else in between. Rail lengths from 18 to 36". Campbell's profile ties are available again, as well as Kappler. I set up a jig on my table saws, (a full size 10"saw and a small 4" saw), and I cut my own ties.

Ties are also available from Fast Tracks.

 

[zoegraf]

Spacing of ties on ME track

I took a close look at my ME track today and noticed that the tie spacing is a little wider than other flex track. Could it be that ME code 70 track nears representing the spacing of branch line track?

 

[efram]

Here's a pic of my track. I'm using mostly CVT ties and ME rails. The siding on the lower left side of the pic is CVT Branch line ties and ME code 70. The siding on the upper right is a piece of ME code 55 flextrack. All other track is CVT Mainline with either ME 83 or 70.

 

[Rico]

Z that first pic up there looks like a "pump spot" where it is white in color.
That's where a soft spot in the roadbed presses down then springs back up with the weight of the train causing a pumping action.
I don't know why but no matter what the soil conditions or terrain I always see it coming up as white.
Here's a pic of one from when I was cutting rail in ON, this stretch had concrete ties.

BTW: they were working on these spots by having a backhoe slide the ties apart then dig out the soft material so it could be replaced with rock. Quite the operation to watch!

Efram nice pic!

 

[LoudMusic]

I took a close look at my ME track today and noticed that the tie spacing is a little wider than other flex track. Could it be that ME code 70 track nears representing the spacing of branch line track?

I am not equipped to answer that question, but I can tell you that this picture you posted in September is a display of your excellent modeling skills.

 

[zoegraf]

Here's a pic of my track. I'm using mostly CVT ties and ME rails. The siding on the lower left side of the pic is CVT Branch line ties and ME code 70. The siding on the upper right is a piece of ME code 55 flextrack. All other track is CVT Mainline with either ME 83 or 70.

Can you re-send a larger image?

 

[zoegraf]

I am not equipped to answer that question, but I can tell you that this picture you posted in September is a display of your excellent modeling skills.

Thanks for the kind words.

I measured the ME track and it does represent mainline track. As much as I like ME, I'll have to go with CVT because I'm modelling a branch line. I thought of spreading the ties on the ME, but it may be difficult without damaging the track.
Your thoughts?

 

[LoudMusic]

I think spreading ties sounds like a huge amount of labor. At that point you might as well lay your own.

 

[PApat]

Zoey, spreading the ties on the ME would be tough. I use it and it's a stiff flex-track to begin with. Good luck, now isn't it time you started gluing some foam?

 

[efram]

If you cut the webbing on the ME rail, it become more manageable. You can splay the ties to a certain degree, just keep an NMRA gauge handy so you can keep it within tolerance. I'll try to re-send a bigger link, so you can see the siding in the upper right. The ties are skewed.

 

[zoegraf]

Zoey, spreading the ties on the ME would be tough. I use it and it's a stiff flex-track to begin with. Good luck, now isn't it time you started gluing some foam?

Today I'm going to cut 3/4 ply ends for the module from some left over ply I had with my circular saw. They will serve as clamping plates and the ends of the module where the foam will go up against. Will start cutting 4" x 24 inch strips soon and later this evening cut the foam. I still have no way to rip the side strips (fascia) yet from a sheet of ply.

I gave a go at snipping the spacers on the ME flex and it was easier than I though spreading them. The ties move quite freely even on the weathered rail.

 

[zoegraf]

If you cut the webbing on the ME rail, it become more manageable. You can splay the ties to a certain degree, just keep an NMRA gauge handy so you can keep it within tolerance. I'll try to re-send a bigger link, so you can see the siding in the upper right. The ties are skewed.

Look forward to the larger image.

My gauge is put away somewhere, but I was wondering what part of the gauge do you use for tie spacing?

 

[efram]

I meant to use the gauge to check for rail gauge. This will tell you the maximum amount you can splay the ties in any direction.

I'm not sure I'll be able to upload those images at a higher resolution. I will try and take some new shots later.

 

[zoegraf]

I meant to use the gauge to check for rail gauge. This will tell you the maximum amount you can splay the ties in any direction.

I'm not sure I'll be able to upload those images at a higher resolution. I will try and take some new shots later.

Ooops, my misunderstanding.

Look forward to the shots.

 

[zoegraf]

I took a break today from the module

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31054&page=4

and attempted to turn a piece of ME track into branch line track. I cut the spacers underneath the track, which was easy and didn't take much time then I spaced them using a drill bit that was the width I wanted as a gauge. I quickly and crudely painted, weathered, and sealed it with dulcote. This is just a test piece and I will paint it and weather it better the next time; as you can see lint, hair, and dust clinging to it.
In the last shot you can see the difference in the spacing of the ties

 

[zoegraf]

Shots under different lighting.