Large Scale Central

Wood for ties

Track and Trestles
#15

Steve Featherkile said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

Many laughed and snickered, but … I built a complete turnout with the materials I planned on using and had that sit out in the weather for almost two years to see what would change. Heat, rain, snow, ice and whatever else was served up.

I did the same. I even ran it through the dishwasher a few times. I figured that if it could survive that, it could survive anything. so far, so good.

I read a few times that people do that with commercial, used track to have it appear “almost like new”. Some even use a special detergent, but I never inquired if they use a hair dryer or a hot-air gun to finish the job. Gently used and never abused with all the little screws still in place etc. etc. etc.

#16

They do use bamboo for (exterior) scaffolding over along the pacific rim !!

Even though seemingly quite abundant over there, ya would think it is used for more than one job/contract … many days.

http://www.oobject.com/category/16-impressive-examples-of-bamboo-scaffolding/

that said they probably erect/tie, allowing for any warping (during its usability-span) that might occur !?

#17

i got some chinese eating sticks from bamboo. bougt them in the late 60ies, when they came into fashion.
one was a little bent, when i bought them.
now, four and a half decades, many dry times in the drawer, uncounted times in washing water, or dishwashers later, there is still just one of them bent.

the only point, that could speak against bamboo would be imho that it might be costly to get bamboo in the necessary thickness for G-scale ties.

#18

Louis Sommers said:

I am installing a stranded bamboo floor. I was wondering if that wood would be good for ties? Any thoughts on this.

Louis

As long as it’s real bamboo and not a laminate I personally think it would be neat to see your results with it making ties.

#19

It looks like a pressed bamboo. Don’t know what type of glue was used. The flooring is already 3/8" thick so it should be just a matter of setting the fence to the required width, then cut to length, and that brings up another question. Is there something out there that I can use as a guide for cutting the ties for switches?

Lou

#20

Louis Sommers said:

It looks like a pressed bamboo. Don’t know what type of glue was used. The flooring is already 3/8" thick so it should be just a matter of setting the fence to the required width, then cut to length, and that brings up another question. Is there something out there that I can use as a guide for cutting the ties for switches?

Lou

Yes, Fast Tracks http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ has a gazillion scales and types of turnouts as templates (free download at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-Printable-Track-Templates-s/11.htm). Print, measure and convert.

PS Let us know how that laminate holds up out in the weather.

#21

Found it. I’ll pass the web site on to you all. It has all kinds of good stuff.

prr.railfan.net/standards/standards.cgi

Lou

1 Like
#22

**Hans-Joerg Mueller said:**Yes, Fast Tracks http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ has a gazillion scales and types of turnouts as templates (free download at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-Printable-Track-Templates-s/11.htm). Print, measure and convert.

¿

#23

David Russell said:

**Hans-Joerg Mueller said:**Yes, Fast Tracks http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ has a gazillion scales and types of turnouts as templates (free download at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-Printable-Track-Templates-s/11.htm). Print, measure and convert.

¿

Which part of the concise answer do you not understand?? He has the thickness of the ties (3/8") all the rest is plain as could be.

Sorry, in this case thinking isn’t optional.

#24

I don’t understand the part of the concise answer where they only offer plans from Z to O scale.

#25

You can print any scale template, say HO and if you have a HO scale you measure length of the ties and that gives you tie length in G. Or you can use the web site from my last post. I forgot I had that site that’s why I asked the question. There is a lot of good info that I have used for my N scale and HOn3.

Lou

#26

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

David Russell said:

**Hans-Joerg Mueller said:**Yes, Fast Tracks http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ has a gazillion scales and types of turnouts as templates (free download at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-Printable-Track-Templates-s/11.htm). Print, measure and convert.

¿

Which part of the concise answer do you not understand?? He has the thickness of the ties (3/8") all the rest is plain as could be.

Sorry, in this case thinking isn’t optional.

Oh, no, now I’m supposed to think, too!?!?!?!?! Say it ain’t so, Joe, say it ain’t so.

#27

Steve Featherkile said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

David Russell said:

**Hans-Joerg Mueller said:**Yes, Fast Tracks http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ has a gazillion scales and types of turnouts as templates (free download at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-Printable-Track-Templates-s/11.htm). Print, measure and convert.

¿

Which part of the concise answer do you not understand?? He has the thickness of the ties (3/8") all the rest is plain as could be.

Sorry, in this case thinking isn’t optional.

Oh, no, now I’m supposed to think, too!?!?!?!?! Say it ain’t so, Joe, say it ain’t so.

The way I see it: while it may induce a headache, there is always the chance that it could provide answers, solve problems etc. etc.

BUT for some it is a revolutionary concept, best not indulged in since it could result in having some ideas.

NB: Statement based on extended observation.

#28

Any suggestions for tie stains. Something I can get from Home Depot.

Lou

#29

Lou:
I don’t suppose they carry Creosote anymore.
Buy the cheapest stain they have that is like a dark walnut and a gallon can of alcohol. Drink the…no, no…Dilute the stain about 50/50 and either dip the ties, or paint the ties with the cheap brush you had to go back to get because you forgot it. Or you can wipe it on and off, wearing gloves and don’t do it over your wife’s favorite tablecloth. Easy!

Lou

#30

Sounds like a good color. Thanks

Lou

#31

I use used motor oil. It stains the wood the proper color, and provides a lifetime of protection. And… it costs nothing.

I let the ties soak in it for a few days, then wipe them off and let them dry. It usually takes a few days, but then, I’m not in a hurry, either.

I got the idea from a friend. He did this to his ties and bents, and everything else that was wood that was associated with the track, some 25 or so years ago. It still looks great.

#32

Since I model a narrow gauge railroad that was in and out of receivership (a real surprise there), I gave my ties a light coat of flat black spray paint. As the paint has worn off, the wood has aged to a gray colour (I used ceder). So my hand laid turnout has that aged look.

#33

Like Steve, I use motor oil. But I also use steel wool dissolved in white vinegar which chemically stains wood with tanin in it. Overall effect using redwood is very much like Creosote.

Best,

TJ

🪵 Proven Wood Treatments
#34

I will be staining stranded bamboo