I just bought some AMS Code 250 rail and a case of tie strips. I want to weather the rail similar to Jon’s method, but do it before I put the tie strips on. Am I going to have problems sliding on the strips onto the painted rails?
Probably.
Try a set un painted and see how tight it is.
I found that lubricating the ties with liquid soap really helps.
John, I put one section of 8’ together (unpainted) and wasn’t too bad especially after I sprayed some tool lubricant on the rail foot. But was concerned about the paint build-up and still being able to slide the strips on.
Just wondering if someone has painted their rails before putting on the tie strips.
John Bouck said:I usually use either WD-40 or Silicone Spray Lube on the first tie strip. Then I'll lay one set of ties upside down with the tie strips I'll be running the rail through on top of them (the same way they come in the box). This keeps the tie strips in alignment and the rail will just slide right through. The last couple feet usually gets a bit tricky, but it's the easiest way I found to do it.
Probably. Try a set un painted and see how tight it is. I found that lubricating the ties with liquid soap really helps.
Working on a large, flat, open surface seems to be a key factor.
If the paint doesn’t hinder placing the strips, it’s quite likely to scratch off the foot as you install the strips. I’ve found that it’s pretty difficult to get a good paint bond to the smooth metal. That’s usually not a problem as nothing much rubs against the painted parts in normal use.
Ric hand paints with a brush. I just don’t worry about a little paint on the ties. It all pretty much disappears in the ballast and/or fades pretty quickly.
Thanks Jon, I think I will paint the rails after assembly as you do.
One problem Ive noticed with rail that I’ve bent and removed the screws from… The tie strips tend to creep on the rail leaving unpainted spots showing. Again, this isn’t a big deal for me since ballast hides most of it.
My contribution: Yes, paint after assembled. I paint both the LGB and Aristo ties – with both brass and stainless rail – using Krylon Rusty Brown spray paint. This is after installation and all of the rail attachments and the jumper wires have been soldered in place. Placing a file folder under the track and sliding it along as the spraying is accomplished, works great as a shield.
The rail tops are then wiped off with a lacquer thinner saturated small rag wrapped on a block of wood. Wood? Yes., to maintain a taunt fabric so the rag only cleans the rail tops. The brown looks good. The ties are protected further from the UV rays. After 14 years of operation, the painting has been an every-three-year ritual.
Wendell