I think I answer this question on this group every 6 months of so. When we
first started to produce track we were aware of several things. We had been
told for years that code 125 rail with small spike heads would support AF
wheels. We knew that prototype 8" rail was the same as height as PRR 155# rail
(lbs. per yard or rail). We also knew that 155# rail was tried on lots of
large railroads, but was most popular with the PRR on the Northeast Corridor.
We decided not to go with the NMRA rail profile, but go back to the prototype
and use PRR drawings. We NEVER called our rail code 125, but would refer to
our rail as PRR 155# as that it was we were modeling. When they started the
tooling to roll the rail, we felt the worse case scenario is if AF wheels would
not run on our track (snap track, not flex as we had not considered flex at
that time). Not being a machinist and not really knowing the possible range of
a rail rolling tool, we requested 0.128" +0.003" We explained to the design
team that the rail could NEVER be lower than 0.126". Of course they went and
rolled it at 0.131", the largest extreme within our specs. We have made many
runs of flex track. I guess the dimension could increase as the tool wears. I
do not remember having to replace or repair this tool.
I do not think it is that hard to distort the rail joiner by adding a thin
brass shim to one side and then recrimping the foil on the side and top of the
railjoiner. As long as the the top of the railheads are the same (level) and
the inside aspect is also flush, I believe you should have no problems with
operations.
My only regret is that we do not have more flex track in stock, I am sure I
could sell another 1000 of cases....
Don
PS If we ever get our tooling moved, that will be the first product produced.
I have had people in all scale use our flex track agree that it maybe the best
in any scale...
On Sep 25, 2011, at 2:03 PM, up148 wrote:
> I agree Bill. Maybe Don will chime in.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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