Pete, your feedback is interesting. The have only noticed concrete ties ex-L&N line going through the tunnel near Elkatawa (Jackson, KY) in Eastern Kentucky. Its approximately where the pushers release the front couplers and return back to Jackson to wait for the next loaded coal train. That was 20 years ago. I wondered at the time how the concrete ties would wear and how maintenance was done. I stopped a lot of my train-related subscriptions. Maybe there have been discussions about this in some of these publications but your message is the first I have read on the subject. As mentioned earlier, I have no interest in modeling with concrete ties simply because I model an earlier era. But for modern modelers who want to run their Flyonel SD70-whatevers and modern GE diesels, the availability of flextrack with concrete-looking ties may be an advantage for S-scale to be able to offer. - Earl Henry, Nashville In a message dated 3/1/2013 11:50:42 A.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
The biggest problem with concrete ties is the fastening systems to the rails. Either they shake loose or break under the loads of the trains. SAL used them in industrial areas and on ballast deck bridges back in the 1960's, but the screw fasteners would break and could not be removed to be replaced. The newer systems with Pandrol spring fasteners holds tight but the steel rail grinds the concrete tie down till the fastener looses its hold. We tried a plate under the rail that helps in straight track but not in curves. The advantage of concrete ties still needs to be improved and the price kept competative to other materials. Pete Silcox --- In [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) , Bob Werre wrote: > > I've been out of the studio for awhile and boy what a discussion! > > I've always tried to think about--how would I do that. Although I'm not > a good candidate for replacing my trackage, I like the idea of concrete > ties and maybe the 125 size. But in this day of costs, rail sizes and > some guys wanting a particular length there isn't a good answer---except > maybe what Miller Labs did 50 years ago. Make up a tie strip acceptable > for various rail sizes and in two tie versions. It seems that the > differences in the rail base is the only thing to worry about--so you > make one for 83/100 and maybe one for 115/126 with two different tie > types. The engineering part has already been done in HO and S in the > past. If the modeler doesn't have the ability to make up the custom > rail sections then quick lesson is in order. > > Also those guys who think that concrete ties are only a very modern > thing...I was on a shoot for Texaco in the Port Arthur area (called the > Golden Triangle because of the number of oil refineries) 30 years ago > the where KCS was replacing concrete ties with old school wooden ties. > I think the problem might be that there are several styles of concrete ties! > > Bob Werre > PhotoTraxx > > > On 2/28/13 4:57 PM, Bud Rindfleisch wrote: > > > > Marty, We already have plenty of code 100 flex, Tomalco and Shinohara. > > Larry Morton sells Tomalco products and Scenery Unlimited sells > > Shinohara, both sell turnouts to match. > > Bud Rindfleisch > > > > --- In [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) , > > "Martin Johnson" wrote: > > > > > > I vote for lighter rail, code 100, or so. > > > > > > > > > > > > Marty > > > > > > > >
