Large Scale Central

Broken Track Ties -- A remedy!

Problem Solving
#1

The exclamation point is for me. This is a reward for previously NOT thinking.
Problem:
Rolling stock would derail at a specific point – no evidence of rail damage.

Reason for derailing:
Rails had closed into each other a very slight bit from damaged ties.
Former remedy: Remove the damaged ties and bend the new tie plate holding “ears” back in order to press the new ties in place – then try and return the bent plastic to secure the rail.
Not the best answer.

NEW remedy:
Cut the outside plate “ears” off the replacement ties leaving just the inside ears undamaged. Spread the track rails enough to side the new ties up into place. The compression against the inside ears will keep the track at the right width.

Worked!
To be certain of holding power, I applied some PL construction glue to the outside of the rail at the points where the previous plate “ears” were.

The problem ties were early Aristo. The LGB have held up for over 10 years.

Wendell

#2

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/handface.gif)

That beats trying to force the ties back on and breaking off all but one of the ‘ears’.

#3

David-
To end my concern the ties would move, I applied a 1/4" drop of PTL brand construction adhesive to the outside of the rail where the “ear” was removed. It is fully waterproof and is quite strong. After drying, I spray the ties and rails with Krylon or RustOleum’s Rusty Brown spray can paint. I simply wait five minutes and wipe the rail tops off with a cloth saturated with lacquer thinner. Works great and gives further sun protection – plus the rails and ties appear more natural and the glue is now only a slightly visible mound.
Wendell

#4

Regarding the ties:
Is there evidence that the LGB ties are being made and sold? I bought them in foot long sections five years ago prior to the Marklin/LGB/?
saga. “Not yet” was the statement from a year ago per a mail order house. The statement followed with “on order.”
Anyone made a purchase within the last year? Any quantity?
Thanks,
Wendell

#5

They are in stock at Walthers.
If you have a friendly LHS you do business with, you can usually get a discount.
That’s why I patronize my LHS from time to time.

Also in stock at Ridge Road. I just checked. Pretty good price.

#6

hehe

A bare heel can pop the aristo ties off the rail slicker than…

#7

Tom-
Is your comment is an implicit indication LGB is the better choice-- not the same problem you have had with Aristo?
I’ve wondered if PIKO and USA also sell ties?
My guess is there are only two companies selling the ties alone - LGB (Marklin) and Aristo.
I have had problems with Aristo’s ties mfg’d five years ago. The sun literally ate holes in the tie material. More accurately, the ties became brittle and “chunks” fell out.
Now, I spray the entire rail and ties with a brown spray paint. This has shown to be successful as a tie-destruction deterrant. The rail tops are simply wiped to brass or stainless free of paint with a rag and lacquer thinner.

#8

Wendell

I recently bought 5-foot flex rail and tie strips from John Poole at Upland Trains. To me the quality of both strips and rail are the same, just more expensive, but what isn’t?

#9

Doug-
Was the 5’ flex (bare rail?) rail LGB, Aristo, or ? The question for me is who is left in the business? I have purchased ties from St. Aubins three years ago and from Ridge Road. However, Aristo ties were the only choice.
Is the brand you got from Upland PIKO? LGB? Aristo? or? Cost went up – more than St. Aubins rail from Aristo? I am helping with a new outdoor RR – track prices are the topic.
Many thanks.
Wendell

#10

Hi Wendell

It was LGB rail and tie strips. So someone is making them and the quality seems the same. I didn’t see any change.

#11

I bought about 150’ of flex track made by AML from Hans at Gold Coast Station in Ventura and have been plenty pleased with it. The price was about $4/ft. I have been plenty displeased with my few pieces of had-me-down Aristo track except for their turnouts. I find that LGB track gums up quicker over time than USAT track which comprises most of my 500’ layout.