[modeleng] Re: Elevated track systems

Harry,
I don't know about the UK, but here down under, a variety of methods are 
used. Some clubs use timber, others steel, others cement.

My club the Sydney Society of Model Engineers uses the following method:-
Lay a cement "path" about 30" wide and 3" to 4" thick, lay cement 
blocks, and then put a topping of concrete about 1 to 2" thick on top. 
The base and blocks are level and flat, and super elevation is achieved 
by sloping the cement topping. Track is secured by galvanised steel 
straps cast into the topping every few metres, and downward 'hooks' on 
the end of some sleepers (ties). The soil is clay (rock hard when dry 
but moves about when moist) and this track has very successful and has 
been in service since 1969, with NO repairs or adjustments to the 
alignment being needed in that time. Go to www.ssme.org.au, then click 
on Gallery, and look at the following galleries and pictures:-
Live Steam  - 4th pic down on left
Garden Railway - several pics have the elevated track in the background
AALS Convention - Pic 11 (of 28)
They will tell you more than words can.

Another local club, Sydney Steam Locomotive Society (www.slsls.asn.au) 
uses concrete piers with beams between, and has used this method for 
many years. Look at the page on the elevated track, and the 2 photo 
galleries.

David
Sydney


Harry Wade wrote:
>        I have question for the British contingent about elevated track
> structures.        What's been the most popular pier design?  Built-up
> piers or imbedded posts?  When erecting masonry or concrete support piers,
> what if anything is done to provide a base or footing?  Is a poured or laid
> footing laid first and the piers erected on these, or do the piers tend to
> rely upon their own footprint for support?  No doubt the answer to the
> first varies with location and substrate.
>       What is a typical length of say a concrete span?  Do builders tend to
> pour these in place or pour them on the ground and then lift them into
> place?  Any information would be welcomed.
>
>
> Regards,
> Harry Wade
> Nashville  Tennessee
>
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