09-04-2009, 07:43 PM
Another option for the pier area is to apply the decking atop the ties, either with only the track area thus decked, or done so that all of the pier decking is at the same height. You could then use flex track for that particular area.
While the photo below is of a crossing, it's the same general idea.
[album]1408[/album]
I used strip styrene .080" thick with my code 83 rails, but you could also use stripwood if that's your preference. The styrene can be cemented to Atlas ties with lacquer thinner (or any solvent-type cement), while you'd have to use contact cement for stripwood or for styrene if you're using Micro Engineering flex track.
For areas where you plan to use the tieplates, how about affixing one to each loose tie in about the approximate position where it should be, then placing the ties and the rail that goes on that same side at the same time. Your adjustment would be in the ties themselves, giving you a line of ties where the ends don't all line-up exactly. Then, to lay the other rail, use your track gauges, slipping the tieplates in place just ahead of where you're spiking. Even if you're using the "Pliobond re-heated with a soldering iron trick", you can use spikes to temporarily hold the second rail in place until you're ready to apply the heat.
Wayne
While the photo below is of a crossing, it's the same general idea.
[album]1408[/album]
I used strip styrene .080" thick with my code 83 rails, but you could also use stripwood if that's your preference. The styrene can be cemented to Atlas ties with lacquer thinner (or any solvent-type cement), while you'd have to use contact cement for stripwood or for styrene if you're using Micro Engineering flex track.
For areas where you plan to use the tieplates, how about affixing one to each loose tie in about the approximate position where it should be, then placing the ties and the rail that goes on that same side at the same time. Your adjustment would be in the ties themselves, giving you a line of ties where the ends don't all line-up exactly. Then, to lay the other rail, use your track gauges, slipping the tieplates in place just ahead of where you're spiking. Even if you're using the "Pliobond re-heated with a soldering iron trick", you can use spikes to temporarily hold the second rail in place until you're ready to apply the heat.
Wayne