Track

Track

Picture Courtesy Of "The HO MODEL RAILROADING Handbook"

The primary method- and in fact the only way of laying track to end the battle with track joints is to attach the track to a roadbed or ballast board with nails.In this way the track will be more secure and won't move around. In the various pieces of track are holes that fit a track tack. However this will not solve all of your stalling and derailing problems.

To align track, I suggest you purchase a 3-foot steel or aluminum ruler.This will keep the track straight when two or more pieces are put together. An extra piece of curved track to align the curved sections.By placing an r-t-r switch upside down over the curve-to-straight section, you are sure of the correct alignment.

You may want to think about using flexible track instead of shorter sections. The flexible track can make a smoother transition from straight to curve and vise versa.The flexible track is also useful when the are long runs of straight track. You must work the sections of flexible track on the curves, however, bending the track into the curve and working the ties apart on the outside of the curve.In a flexible track curve, youll find one of the rails will be longer. Cut the rail with a razor saw and trim away any burrs. The secret to any track layout is to prefit first.

Homosote-brand wallboard panels are a must for a roadbed.Ordinary plywood is too hard.You can cut the Homosote with a wallboard knife and shape the edges with any hobby knife.

Use track tacks to hold the track sections in place. Push the nails through the hole in the center of some of the ties with needlenose pliers.The tack should not touch the top of the tie or it will pull the track down and distort the tie.

Ballast is the material that is between the tracks and beside the tracks. This material can be sand or dirt. First seal the area with latex paint and I suggest this is done aftr the scenery is complete. Pick a color that is like your favorite railroad. Glue the ballast in place, being careful not to get on the working parts. Brush away and extra ballast.

Real railroaders are constantly exposed to the weather. When weathering the track, spray all track work with a wash of 95 parts water to 5 parts of black acrylic paint. The sides otf the track can be sprayed reddish brown artists' oil paint thinned out to a 50/50 mix. Spray the entire layout, including the buildings with a earth tone spray. Everything should have an earth color. Make sure to clean all paint off the rails, so as now to restrict the movement of the train.

Thanx For The Tips - BigC