[modeleng] Re: Elevated track systems

Hi there Harry,
I looked at this and after LBSC's experience with rotting wodden posts, it 
was going to have to be either steel or concrete for my track supports.

I found that the local builders merchants had some suitable hollow 
concrete blocks for £1.50 each, so went with those - cheaper than steel, 
and easier than casting myself.

I used 4"*2" longitudinals, which I fixed to the posts using brackets I 
welded up from 3mm steel plate and tube (cost £1.67 per metre of wood).

To the top of that I nailed 10"*1"*1" hardwood sleepers, which were about 
50 pence each from a supplier.

To that I nailed (using track spikes) aluminium rail, which I got 250 foot 
of second hand for £50.

Fishplates, I made myself, but in hindsight, would probably have bought.

As far as footings is concerned - the local track at Eaton Park, Norwich 
use 5"*5" posts on a sand and crushed rubble footing - 25 square inches, 
they need repacking every 25 years or so! My posts are 8"*8", so 64 
square inches on crushed rubble and sand should be fine for a lifetime.

I'll e-mail you some pictures to your personal e-mail address - if 
others would like me to e-mail them pictures, just give me a shout.

Yours,


Rich.
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