Order of Operations

Yes it will.  Many a failed installation using CVT ties can be traced to painting the ties first.  Doing so forces you to rely on the strength of the bond between the paint and the ties, which will fail much more readily than the glue bond with the rail.

Since I would advise against painting the ties first, I'd wait on this step too.  My thinking is to get the track in and  troubleshooting done before even thinking about paint or ballast.

Clarification

Ryan I'm honored that you feel my method is worthy for you to use. But one clarification.

I used ME code 70 track for my layout and had it all installed, wired and running before painting. I understand your desire to want to paint and ballast the ties before your install the rails. That's one of the advantages of handlaying. However my technique was designed for flextrack and has not been tested (by me) on CVT ties.

James

Why I love MRH

Rob/James,

Thanks for your input/comments!  I will definitely get the rails installed first.  I may even order some detailing parts like joint bars to add to the rail before I paint it.

Is caulk still the best adhesive for the CVT to roadbed?

Thanks,

Ryan

Adhesive

I don't know about "best," but I've used acrylic/latex caulk on CVT ties and it works just as well with them as with flex track or pre-assembled turnouts.  I like DAP Alex Plus clear sealant.  It allows the ties to be removed and recycled easily.

How thick?

Rob,

I'm new to caulk adhesive.  How wide/thick of a layer do you put down?

Thanks,

Ryan

Applying Caulk

I usually apply two narrow ~1/8" beads (if using Homabed as you are just apply one in the center of each strip).  I use a scrap of roadbed material as a disposable spreader, and try to get an even layer that maybe looks like a thick coat of paint.  I found that using the two parallel beads allowed me to get more even coverage after spreading than applying just one, but you may like doing it different after experimenting.  If it oozes more than just around the bottom of the tie strip you've applied too much.  You should get used to the process after a few feet of track.

Here's a CVT turnout I installed in the midst of Micro Engineering flex track.  I try to make the adhesive layer roughly the same width as the tie strip.  Note that the roadbed is darker where the caulk was applied, but otherwise the adhesive is barely visible when dry.

Rob - what's the adhesive?

Rob, you didn't mention in your last post what adhesive you're using ... I'm dying of curiosity. Or did you say previously and I missed it?

Never mind ... I just found it by looking back a few posts. DAP clear sealant, right? The stinky silicone stuff?

Re: Joe

The DAP Alex Plus acrylic/latex sealant.  It has some silicone in it per the label, but doesn't produce much detectable odor.  I don't use the pure silicone caulk since I don't care for the smell, and hear it interferes with making the track easy to remove and reuse.