Laying track

A few simple rules must be followed when working with sectional track, such as (Peco Setrack). The joiners - or fishplates - must be aligned correctly on the profile of the rail to ensure electrical continuity and a smooth ride for the train’s wheels. The rails should also be pushed up tight against each other, as large gaps encourage dirt to build up as well as giving the train a bumpy ride. Be sure that the fishplates are a snug fit on the rails, squeezing them gently with pliers if necessary. Sometimes, it’s necessary to trim lengths of track, or employ flexible track to obtain a specific curvature. In which case, it’s vital to cut the rails cleanly and safely, avoiding damage to the plastic sleepers and ensuring a smooth transition across the joints. There are various ways of cutting rails: use a junior hacksaw or, preferably, a set of handheld shears, as offered by Xuron and Dccconcepts. Whatever you employ, use a needle file and abrasives to remove any burrs or scratches on the railheads. Check, too, that the fishplates will slide cleanly and snugly over the rail profile, trimming the sleepers where necessary.

FIXING IT

The track must be fixed to the baseboard, with track pins being the most common means, tapped home gently with a small hammer. With the foam track bed, however, the pins will only be capable of a temporary bond. PVA glue, applied now or later, during ballasting, offers a more secure option. Sectional track has small holes ready moulded into the sleepers, but flexible track and points often do not. The pins are likely to either bend themselves or distort the plastic sleepers if hammered directly, so holes must be drilled first. Drill small pilot holes in the sleepers for the track pins to pass through. Add pins about eight to ten inches apart on straight sections. Curves often require the pins to be closer together.