Author Topic: rail lenght for a model  (Read 1373 times)

Offline Pogo_proptie

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rail lenght for a model
« on: January 29, 2024, 11:08:41 PM »
Hi what and where do you get some straight rail for the work in progress models that you work on for years.

I will soon have a working axel and would like to be able to keep it on a board with like 3 feet of rails.

i was suggested Gscale but only find the assembled rail that are way too narrow any suggestion on the rail only or a clever substitution

thanks in advance

Pogo

Offline Jo

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Re: rail length for a model
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2024, 07:29:54 AM »
I used to keep my old (5") Loco's in the workshop on a couple of lengths of angle iron correctly spaced via metal stretchers between the two pieces. Placed flat edge on the surface and the Loco on the slightly rounded top edge.

With something like G-scale (Narrow Gauge on the equivalent spacing of Gauge 1) you could use Ali angle.

Jo
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Offline Jo

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2024, 07:37:14 AM »
Forgot to mention: make sure you put stops on both the ends. I saw one person at the club knock a "freewheeling" Loco ... down the building rail it went off the end and crashed onto the floor  :toilet_claw:

Jo
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Offline michaelr

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2024, 09:47:09 AM »
If you are looking for a scale type rail see here https://www.maidstone-engineering.com/collections/5-gauge-1 if they suit your gauge.
However Jo's idea will be ideal and cheaper

Michael

Offline Pogo_proptie

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2024, 09:40:54 PM »
If you are looking for a scale type rail see here https://www.maidstone-engineering.com/collections/5-gauge-1 if they suit your gauge.
However Jo's idea will be ideal and cheaper

Michael

that rail seems beautiful. until i entered my address and they asked for 156 CAD$ to ship a 16 $ part.. so iron angle it will be LOL

Offline john mills

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2024, 11:08:13 PM »
when I built my 5" gauge speedy i used 3/8 by 1"  now would be 10mm by 25 flat black mild steel on edge as was used for running track
at that time .Iused suitable stays to be the right gauge and ent stops at the ends.
John 

Offline Bobsmodels

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2024, 06:58:56 AM »
Hi

Similar to John"s suggestion just a bit different.

If all you want at this stage is that the wheels are not on the flange might I suggest a slightly different approach that I have used.  Not sure what gauge or size you need. Not sure how heavy.  Here is the method.  Whatever the depth of the flange get some strips of metal your 3' long that are just over the depth of the flange and say about 1/2" wide.  Screw them down to a board such that they are parallel and to the correct gauge.  I typically use 1/2 x 1/4 steel.  Now fill the center with 1/4 hardboard leaving a width for the flange.  Next on the out side of the "rail" cover the rest of the board wit 1/4 hardboard.  You now have a track that you can move the engine back and forth, with the advantage that it cannot drop down through the track and damage anything, it cannot derail and cause damage.  Screw down a block at each end for safety.

Took more words to describe, it is fairly simple.  I had 1 1/2 scale locomotives and rolling stock that I transported in the back of van, three tracks.  With this type of floor and I never had to worry about a locomotive jumping off a track.

Anyway just a different approach, no rail to purchase just material.  You can make it out of anything.  You can also at some point work in some ball bearings so engine can actually be run when on the rollers.

Bob

Offline uuu

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2024, 08:14:01 AM »
Two strips of wood screwed down work for me.

Wilf

Offline Zephyrin

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2024, 09:42:46 AM »
Hi,
2 slots at the right spacing in a wooden board would do it, for a temporary support, or a permanent one if it's a plank of fine wood, reminiscent of a station platform.

Offline Pogo_proptie

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2024, 01:25:20 PM »


simplicity made simply affordable.....  :DrinkPint:

made this in 10 minutes.. should do for a while

Offline Jo

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Re: rail lenght for a model
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2024, 02:39:27 PM »
Good move adding the end stop   :ThumbsUp: Hopefully it should prevent the workshop gnome taking a fancy to them and attempting to pinch the bogie on the end  ;)

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

 

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