Great tips, Charlie

That's a neat effect, Charlie.  I'll have to give it a try on my layout.

Thank you for a great idea, Charlie.

I will give it a try at my new H0n3 module Salina. But there's only code 40 track for spurs. So I will be carefully to no overdo it. Start slowly.

Wolfgang

I've been trying to think about how to do this with hand layed track. I'm considering now doing the fast tracks every 5th tie with a PCB tie method, in order to get the vertical bends in right.

Any other thoughts?

You could also use Central Valley tie strips, and replace every 5th tie or so with a PCB tie using my "leave the copper pad where the tie plate goes" method to disguise the PCB ties.

If you use those, that's sure an option.

But If you don't, and handlay and spike rail to ties, that would mean bending the rail before spiking, or doing every 5th tie solder method to keep it in gauge.

It would seem a bit odd to use CV tie strips on a derelict siding while not having that detail on the mainline, but than again, the siding might become more of a focal point.

Great article, Charlie. Now all I have to do is find a spur track to try out the procedure.

(for handlaid track) Code 55 rail is slinky enough that I don't know whether pre-bending it would be necessary. If you have something under the track that holds spikes well it might work. Code 100 rail would like require prebending...

Charlie

Dear Charlie,

FWIW, Code 100 needed both partial cutting thru the head and web. _and_ vertical bending to get a usable result in 1/4" 2-rail semi-finescale SG...

Of course, with such large/heavy cars, working roller-bearing caps, and sprung trucks, the resulting look of a Hi-cube 40' car "rockin n rollin" along a worn out industrial spur was just what the Dr ordered...  

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Hi, Charlie.

Great article.  Actually you could also use the technique to model the Milwaukee Road's mainline in Montana and Idaho in the waning years !

I was wondering about the structure on the spur, specifically the grey one with arch windows. Is it a kitbash, kit, or scratch? It's pretty much waht I have been looking for.

Skip Luke

If you are referring to the brownish (not exactly grey) building with the figure waving on the loading dock (in figure 1), that's a Walthers Front St. ware house that I (mis)assembled - the loading docks are scratch-built. The fore ground building (white) in that photo is a kit bash of the Walthers meat packing plant.

Charlie

Great looking track work. I was wondering where you got the 1/8" cork from? I am modeling a heavy branch line and like the separation you achieve with your track.

Thanks

Mark 

I used N scale cork from (I think) Midway - the guys who also make the HO scale, 1/4" cork.

Charlie

[edit] Yup, Kevin is right. That should be MIDWEST, not Midway.  Sigh...

The box of HO cork I have is from Midwest, which is what Charlie meant I'm sure.