Rail joining trouble

[Wolfie]

Ok I'm tentatively putting some rails together using little metal fishplates. However I can't get the damn things to stay joined.

When I pick up the opposite end to add a new rail,the previous one just drops off again.

No doubt I'm doing it wrong, what's the accepted method please.

[Bealman]

Sounds like you're not sliding it on far enough. Is it flexible track?

But whatever, beware the dreaded fish plate  embedded in the finger trick!

[Platy767]

@Wolfie

Sorry for my silly question, but you are using PECO SL-300 (Code 80) or SL-300F (Code 55) flextrack with PECO SL-310 rail joiners, are you?

If laying a curve, try and preform the curve and cut to approximate length, remove the last sleeper and push the joiner on until it goes on halfway of its length.

If joining straight, still cut the last sleeper off so the rail joiner can slide on half way.

Use new rail joiners.

Mark

[PLD]

The more common problem is getting them on in the first place (too tight), rather than them coming off (too loose) so first thing is to confirm what type of track (brand, rail size/code, settrack or Flexi) and that you are using the matching joiners...

[Newportnobby]

If all the above has been checked and you're using the correct joiners, if the problem still exists then crimp the half on the rail slightly with pliers, being careful not to deform the bit that slides onto the next piece of track