Fitting New Section Of Track Into Gap

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June 23, 2020

Ryan asks:

“We relocated house and moved my layout without any major damage except one section of Atlas Code 83 track. I have a new section to insert, but with joiners, it is longer than the gap it needs to fit. How do I cut the track and ties etc?”

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5 Responses to Fitting New Section Of Track Into Gap

phil johnson says:

June 23, 2020 at 5:14 am

Some modelers use rail nippers and files. I prefer my Dremel moto tool with a cut-off disc. Measure and cut your track 1/32-1/64″ shorter than you need. Remove one or two ties from each end. File a slight bevel to the rail ends to ease slipping on the railjoiners. Then you should be home free

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john Gibson says:

June 23, 2020 at 5:45 am

I agree with phil. only he explained better than I could.

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David Stokes says:

June 23, 2020 at 6:23 am

Side cutters or rotary disc cutters in a Dremel or similar. It is most important to file the ends of the rail square, and the flanges to remove any burrs. Slip the rail joiners completely onto the section to be inserted and place it on the trackbed, then using a small flat bladed screw driver, slide the joiners into the existing rails half way. Your knew section is done. For a short piece like this you shouldn’t need to add power wires, but you could.

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- George Moffatt says:
  
  June 23, 2020 at 4:05 pm
  
  Every comment above is good advice. But be careful. Use verrry sharp wire cutters, but DON’T put the cutter blades on the top and bottom of the rail. You may crush the top of the rail out of shape, which can cause derailments. Instead, cut the rail from both SIDES, which may deform the sides a bit, but the all-important top will remain flush with the adjoining rails. Then use a jewelers file or other small file to remove any burrs, etc.
  
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Dale Arends says:

June 23, 2020 at 5:53 pm

I agree that the rotary tool with a cutoff wheel is the way to go. make sure you wear a mask, though, because the you don’t want to breathe in the abrasive grit from the cutoff wheel. Also, wear eye protection just in case the cutoff wheel shatters.

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