Friends... As some of you know, I spent a lot of time laying my track in a very, very careful manner. I soldered my joints, filed them on the inside and smoothed the tops. The results??? Very smooth, quiet and derail-free railway!! The problem came after months of sitting at the layout. Each time I sat there and ran the trains, for who-knows how long, I am almost being put to sleep, by the constant, smooth-flowing of the steel wheels rolling over the tracks. The sound reminds my of the "night surf" at the beach, or, perhaps the sound a constant rain makes on a tin roof! Then I realized my, 1930-1960 era, trackwork was too perfect for it's own good. With a small round file in hand, I proceeded to file 1/8" notches in both rails, opposite each other. Every 3-4 ft. The results are terriffic!!! Now I can sit at the layout for quite sometime and then start to fall asleep to the "clicky-clack" of the steel wheels crossing over the filed spots! It really sounds like a "real" train!! And by the way, this procedure hasn't caused any derailments, just the delightful "clicky-clack, clicky-clack, clicky-clack"! Maybe this isn't for everyone, especially those who model current era layouts, that should simulate "welded" rail. As for myself...when ever I'm having trouble falling to sleep............ I'm going down and sit by the tracks for a while. May all your signals be: Green!! ...Richard
[This message has been edited by richarddschivley (edited 10-24-2002).]
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
This sounds like an excellent idea, and one that I have not heard of before. I too pride myself on excellent trackwork and very few, if any derailments.
I can think of two problems that might come up. The filed slots might collect dirt and gunk after a while and it might be hard to keep clean. Also, I wonder if this is going to wear down the wheels or axle bushings at a quick rate.
I hope it continues to work well for you. Keep us posted as to how it is going.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :
I have heard of this being done by someone else before. But he took it to the extream. He is one of those "Proto HO" modelers that models everything to obsessive compulsivly exact 1/87.1 scale. He to simulated jointed rail. But he did it every scale 39 feet. He then added the fish plates on BOTH SIDES of the rail at those marks. He also recut his rails to multiples of 39 feet before hand laying them so that the solder joints and rail joiners fit right in and look the part.
Posted by richarddschivley (Member # 274) on :
Konstantin... I, honestly, don't think I will ever see any wear at the notches in the track or on the steel wheels, themselves. At least not in my lifetime!! However, Mike C, makes a good point,(In his reply to, PTGCP's post: "Benchwork Questions".).....use steel wheels, not, plastic. I usually replace any plastic with "Kadee" brand wheel sets. They also run truer than plastic and do not cause any "wobble" in the cars. Some cheaper plastic ones are "out-of-round". As far as clean track and dirt at the filed points......EVERYONE...... knows you have to keep the rails clean, ANYWAY!! I can't imagine anyone, who is a sensible model railroader, letting "GUNK" accumulate...ANYWHERE!! I am enjoying the "clack" sound, each time I run my trains. Hope you do, too. ...Richard
[This message has been edited by richarddschivley (edited 10-27-2002).]
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
Richard, I believe you misunderstood me on both points above.
First of all, I was not referring to track wearing out, I was more referring to the axles. If the axles are banging around a lot, hitting the filed spots, the bushings might wear out quickly. I always use Kadee trucks, and some of my cars have had trucks replaced because the bushings have worn, and the axles get wobbly, and I have not filed my track. However, some of my cars are now over 25 years old and have many miles on them. I just wonder how long they would last on bumpier (filed) track.
As far as cleaning the track, I completely agree that it must be kept clean. But what I meant above was that the dirt might accululate in the filed spots, and it might take a lot of work to keep them clean. On normal track, I just run a track cleaning car over it to keep it clean. With the filed spots, it might take a lot more work than that. That is fine if you do not mind the extra cleaning. It all depends on what is more important. Myself, I am worried that the files spots might create more maintenance than they are worth.
Please do not think I am against your idea. If it works, I think it is a great idea. I am just a little leary about trying it myself until I can see if it will cause problems.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by PTGCP (Member # 2029) on :
Hi.... ...I had seen this done before on a nice layout. The resulting clickety clack was pleasing. You are going even further by doing it every scale 39' !
Posted by richarddschivley (Member # 274) on :
Konstantin... The filed spots would be, relatively, easy to clean with a pipe cleaner, for example. I also could use a small piece of, 400-600 grit, sand paper tri-folded and "swipe" the notch, with it's folded edge. I'm not sure about your wheel bushings?? My cars have just the plastic truck with the Kadee, wheel-axle, set in it. I have not noticed any wear to engine bushings and axles, ever, in my life. But, I WILL BE LEARNING TO MY DYING DAY!!!! Best wishes. ...Richard P.S. Remember, My scale is, HO and your's is N! I'm not familiar with the make-up of N-scale locos and cars.
[This message has been edited by richarddschivley (edited 10-29-2002).]
Posted by shamus (Member # 657) on :
Hi Richard, How the hell are you my friend.
Yeah - I too have filed notches but have staggered the notch to give the wheels abit more clickety clack if you like.
BTW, my Badger Creek is in the October issue of Model Railroading magazine. Shamus
Posted by richarddschivley (Member # 274) on :
Shamus, My Friend!!! So glad to hear from you! I have been really busy with my business and have had little time to do the model railroad "thing"! Presently, I am installing photo-cell operated crossing gates/lights and 3-light, block signals on my layout. I had the opportunity to see these items at a G.A.T.S. in, Charlotte, NC. I was amazed at the realism of the layouts using these techniques. I have also installed, red lights on the rear end of my cabooses. Other than that, I have been filing notches and listening to my trains run about. I'll have to visit your Badger Creek and see what you have been up to. God Bless you, my friend across the "Pond"!! ...Richard Schivley P.S. I have ordered a subscription to, Model Railroading Magazine. Congratulations, on your layout's success!!
[This message has been edited by richarddschivley (edited 11-02-2002).]
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
Shamus, where in Model Railroader was your Badger Creek Railroad? I looked through the October issue and could not find it.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by richarddschivley (Member # 274) on :
Konstantin... "Model Railroading", magazine, is separate from, "Model Railroader", magazine!!! It is a separate publication. ...Richard
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
Thank you for the clarification. I have never heard of "Model Railroading" before.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
