I have an N-scale model railroad, using all Peco flex track and Peco turnouts. One of the turnouts has gone out of gauge. The rails have become a little too close, and every once in a while there is a derailment on it. Please understand that it is only a tiny bit out of gauge. My railroad is always inside in room temparature with little humidity (I live in the desert in Phoenix).
How should I "warp" this track back into gauge? My idea is to press a Kadee track measuring tool into it (to force it into gauge) and then blow a hair dryer on it to heat the plastic ties a little bit. What do you think I should do?
[This message has been edited by Konstantin (edited 12-05-2001).]
Posted by mrlithian (Member # 1129) on :
My 2 cents ... I'd be a little concerned about the imprecision of using a hair dryer and the practical impossibility of controlling the heat. Forcing it back into gauge is ok, but can you prevent the plastic ties from expanding TOO far if they get too much heat?
Is replacement out of the question?
[This message has been edited by mrlithian (edited 12-07-2001).]
Posted by thirdrail (Member # 1031) on :
Have you asked PECO about it? They have a website and a Q&A format. I'd check with them. Otherwise, I'd be inclined to "flex" the railhead out a little with my square nosed pliers..
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
Thank you for the suggestions. thirdrail, I had not thought about asking Peco, but that sounds like a good idea. Mrlithian, I was going to try to fix it first, but if that doesn't work, then I will replace it. It is a lot of work to replace it.
Thank you
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by mrlithian (Member # 1129) on :
I just visted your EVRR -- had I done that first, I probably wouldn't have even THOUGHT of suggesting replacement. I can see how difficult it would be.
Very nice job -- your obviously careful plan was well executed, and I applaud your efforts. I've long considered changing to layout dimensions like yours -- you may have given me the impetus I needed to start a redesign.
(BTW, I agree with thirdrail.)
[This message has been edited by mrlithian (edited 12-09-2001).]