[modeleng] Re: Elevated track systems

I wouldn't recommend using point rodding unless you get it free, it is now 
£140GBP a 4m length, an expensive track. Lucky someone in you're group knew 
where to get it from John, Mr Cotterell? It does work well though, I have a 
90ft test track at the side of the house made from point rodding.

Dave.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Pagett" <john_pagett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:53 PM
Subject: [modeleng] Re: Elevated track systems


Harry,

Well, there are lots of ways of doing it, and I don't think that any is
necessarily "right".
Our track at Bromsgrove was originally built with piers cast in situ onto a
footing about 3' square. When we extended the track, we used a system copied
from Nottingham and Urmston clubs (possibly others too). The piers are
slightly tapered pillars which stand on a bed of road planings (not sure if
you'd get those in the US, most roads seem to be concrete rather than
tarmac).

In both cases, we've used point rodding (thick channel section, about 1 1/2"
by 1 1/2", and well galvanised, to support the track. Timber battens are
laid along the point rodding and the sleepers (ties) are placed across the
battens. The point rodding is fixed to each of the concrete uprights and
this is what provides the stiffness for the structure. Superelevation can be
produced by jacking and moving the base of the pillar away from the centre
of the curve.

There are no concrete sections between the pillars. Pillars are nominally 6'
apart (from memory), it's certainly not less except where fixed objects
(swing out section, for example), are encountered.

Other systems include all concrete (pillar and span) and also an all steel
solution with steel tube used at the pillars with suitable bridging
sections. I can't really comment on these as I haven't so much experience of
them. The all steel system tends to have no room for adjustment and
therefore needs to be got right first time.

Cheers,

JohnP
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Harry Wade" <hww@xxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:30 PM
Subject: [modeleng] Elevated track systems


       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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