TRACK TIE REPLACEMENT
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Replace missing track ties with used, good
originals. Select ties that are
less than 2.330 inches long to minimize brittle failure of the ÒspikesÓ while
installing.
First, file the outer edge of the rail at the
missing tie location to remove the bump where Lionel center punched the rail
base flange.
If the missing tie is not at the end, move ties
from the nearer end so that all missing ties are at one end. To do this, drill out the punch mark
between the two outer "spikes" on each end of every tie that must be
moved. A #55 drill tilted about
20¡ into each punch mark should free the ties to slide. DonÕt be surprised if ties that have
grown to over 2.330 inches break during attempted relocation. They will also have to be replaced.
When a freed tie is half way to the next
location, file off any burrs left where the rail was drilled to make moving
another tie into that location easier.
Add ties to the end to fill the missing
locations. Take care to keep the
ties square on the track. Twisting
the ties while sliding them will probably break the ÒspikesÓ off.
When all the ties are where they belong, punch
the rail base flange on each end of each tie using a sharp center punch or a 3/32 inch cold chisel.
© 2007 Donald K Hagar, all rights reserved.