In honor of the 150th anniversary of the golden spike,
Just coincidence really…Today I placed the last segment of track connecting the steamup siding to the main line turnout completing my layout. I never worried much about rail expansion in upstate NY but here in Florida the temperature climbs higher so rail length probably changes more. Some of you live in climates even hotter than here so I’m wondering what your experience dictates as far as the size of gaps at rail joints.
Some back ground: I’m using Accucraft code 250 brass track sections with the larger narrow gauge ties left over from a railroad expansion project that was shelved because of our move here. My layout is a live steam loop in a birdcage (screen room) framed with galvanized steel track (like studs but without the holes) with 2x4 cross members supported on wood legs. The frame is topped with composite fascia board and the track placed on top. I still have some fine tuning to do such as placing ties under the rail joiner areas, building a couple of bridges and adding a third rail at 32mm gauge but having a complete oval I can now run trains at home.
I would appreciate any guidance toward avoiding problems with the track in the heat.
Thanks,
Tom