Joining Streamline to Setrack

[ChrisW]

My layout is currently all in Setrack but I need to add a couple of pieces of flexible track to get the right alignment for my Peco NB-80 train shed.

I've bought a length of track (SL-300), Xuron cutters and a pack of rail joiners (SL-310). Should I also have bought the additional sleepers (SL-309F) or can I get away without them?

[m1racleman]

you will have loads of spare sleepers on every offcut of track. Just trim the chairs off and slide under the join,   

[ChrisW]

That's what I wanted to hear, thanks!

[4x2]

Just an extra pointer... On the setrack sections the rail joiner (fishplate) has a curly 'thing' underneath it that stop it being a nice fit between the rail and sleepers. You can straighten it up and cut off the excess or my choice is to twist off the original fishplate (they're spot welded/soldered - don't pull it, just twist it) and fit a new one which will be flat on the bottom.

God knows why they're different... Health and safety probably !

[michael]

you'll probabley want a file as well if your using those Xuron cutters. 

[Oldman]

you'll probabley want a file as well if your using those Xuron cutters. 

And a small packet of plasters.  Regard less of what I try to prevent it I always manage to stab myself  with at least one fishplate

[michael]

sometimes when Im struggling to fit a fishplate I start to wince at the thought of whats about to happen

[davieb]

hi all 

i think we've all stabbed ourselves while fitting the little blighters at some point  :'(

when i'm laying track i keep a metal thimble handy, call me a whimp but it saves a whole lot of pain 

also as 4x2 said the fishplates are fixed on setrack pieces so twist off as he says but do it carefully as they can break
leaving half the fishplate still in place right where it is the most difficult to remove 

dave 

[MikeDunn]

Just an extra pointer... On the setrack sections the rail joiner (fishplate) has a curly 'thing' underneath it that stop it being a nice fit between the rail and sleepers.

  There I was thinking I'd bent some !!!  Right - where's the file 

Mike

[4x2]

hi all 

i think we've all stabbed ourselves while fitting the little blighters at some point  :'(

when i'm laying track i keep a metal thimble handy, call me a whimp but it saves a whole lot of pain 

also as 4x2 said the fishplates are fixed on setrack pieces so twist off as he says but do it carefully as they can break
leaving half the fishplate still in place right where it is the most difficult to remove 

dave 

I keep forgetting, not everyone is as gifted as i am...  

I have a freakishly strong index finger with no nerves and tough exterior to push in fishplates unaided - This is because I had a fight with a model airplane engine (going at about 11,000 rpm !!!) and lost ! 

On the upside, I can still count to eight on my fingers... (think about it...) and push in fishplates without a thimble ! 

[Newportnobby]

Lucky you, 4x2.
I always end up with my digits in tatters :'(

[4x2]

Lucky you, 4x2.
I always end up with my digits in tatters :'(

I remember seeing a homemade tool for fitting fishplates...

Sorry about the quick sketch and rubbish pic (my good cam is on charge), but i think it's simple enough...

[Bikeracer]

Upnick posted this a while ago.
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=500.0

Allan

[4x2]

Upnick posted this a while ago.
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=500.0

Allan

That's not the one i was thinking of, but great idea all the same ! 

[ChrisW]

Thanks for all the tips. I've managed to lay my first bit of flexible track - and without any injuries!

Next things to learn - ballasting and scenery. How hard can it be?