Central Valley CVT Tie Strips

[Fluesheet]

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One thing I found interesting about the code 81 rail is it will work in a Fast Tracks turnout jig for ME code 83 rail ( may work in the code 70 jig as well ) with no problems. I made one turnout with it and it turned out great and was in gauge as it should be.


Wayne Reid

I remember a discussion with Tim about this. Basically base of the rail is the same width when it comes to cd 70 & cd 83 rail. I've built cd 70 t.o.'s in my Cd 83 jig no problems. I imagine it works the other way around too.

Tetters has it right. I've heard this from two sources, both of which where authorized sellers of FastTracks equipment (and both of which I forget! One may have been the housitanic website). One source told me that ME code 83 actually has a slightly *narrower* base than code 70. I suspect that both codes are formed from the same stock, and the extra height of 83 "borrows" metal from the base in the rolling process. Just a guess though.

An interesting side effect is that ME code 70 joiners are reported to work better on the narrower base of code 83 rail and the wider code 83 joiners work better on the wider code 70 base! White is black!

Unfortunately, I only have code 70 components at this time, or I'd confirm; but I'm willing to accept the idea since I recall my mis-remembered source to be solid, and in my logic world, it makes sense.

I purchased a Fast Tracks jig last month, and chose to get the code 70 version for this reason.

<edit> I believe I found the information regarding rail base and joiners on Fast Track's Forum. And while I can't dig up the joiners piece, a chart with rail dimensions (including the base width) can be found in the second post here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.handlaidtrack.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=840&start=0">http://www.handlaidtrack.com/forums/vie ... 40&start=0</a><!-- m -->

Matt