I’m using Proto:87 Stores Near HO Scale Spikes. These spikes are much smaller than even the Micro Engineering micro spikes with a head that is not so obtrusive. They are just short enough to not extend beyond the bottom of a full thickness tie, which makes it easy to spike the rails at the bench. And even though my track is actually glued down with barge cement, the spikes give a little extra hold and a big extra detail.

I have some questions regarding using my atlas flex track and Fast Track jigs...
I have alot of atlas code 100 flex track. Too much to replace. However, I would like to use the fast track jigs for my turnouts. How much of a problem will it be to use a code 100 fast tracks jig (using ME code 100 rail) and then transition it to the atlas code 100 rail? I know the profiles are different, but can they be joined? What rail joiner do you use and how much work is involved?
As far as code 83 looking better, I agree but can't afford to replace all my track.

Hi, my name is Bob and found this interesting site where I hope someone can give advice. I'm looking to get started in building an 8'x4' layout with possible future expansion. Recently my father died and I went back to the house to take my old HO trains from the house, I had a layout when I was a child back in the 70's. This spurred my interest again.

It has been a fascinating journey learning the basics of hand laying my own track. Most of the BQR was flextrack and commercial turnouts. But to finish that last 10% was proving to be very difficult -- more so due to the limited space and geometry that is a combination of what senior management would allow and my creative decisions.