Large Scale Central

Christmas track separation remedy!

Problem Solving
#1

Blast it all! The track behind the tree, in a place hard to reach, has come apart.
Remedy: Rubber bands. Yep, take rubber bands – the stronger the better – and, after the track sections are in place, wrap them across two ties back from the track joint and connecting to the ties under the other side of the track joint. Yes, success! Now, chances of separation is greatly reduced. Sure, the LGB and Aristo tie-connector strips can work. Don’t have 'em you say. Got rubber bands?

Merry Christmas!
Wendell

#2

Yep, those LGB tie-strips work great…except I’ve thrown every set I ever had away! :smiley:

I stole a few of those “Bungee hair bands” from my daughter…Don’t tell!

#3

Nylon zip ties work great.
Ralph

#4

Velcro is what I use and is reuseable. Nothing to cut and throw away. Always adjustable instantly.

#5

And since were not talking about a lot of track…you could use what I do spitjaw rail clamps.

#6

Mark V -
Sharp thinking – bungee hair bands. Hmmmm. I know where there is a drawer full.
Thanks for the input.
Also, the tie strips Ralph uses works great for the club displays – also staves off derailment focused spectator hands that reach for the track.

#7

I always use rubber bands on temporary layouts. Just don’t leave them in the car all summer, or they’ll dry rot and resemble calimari or fried clams.

#8

Murphys Train Law, derailments, poor connectivity with dirty rail or loose joints will always happen well out of reach and give you the biggest headaches possible. On my Christmas display I have a 10’ siding that hugs a threshold and a wall and visitors were continually kicking the track and causing troubles so my solution was to use little nails tapped through the track and into the floor to hold the track firmly against the threshold.
Don’t tell my wife. LOL