You may find that there is not a categorical cross section for a rail code, as that relates directly to the height.
Max
I use a mixture of LGB and Aristo track. I convert the LGB to the Aristo track fishplates and this works well overall. However, it is not possible to drill and tap the shortest rail on LGB points so I have used Hillman rail clamps for that joint. They work OK but it is obvious that the bottom flanges on these two systems are different in width and this can sometimes cause problems. Hillman have gone out of business and I can looking for a substitute and it is very confusing in talking to different suppliers to find out if their product will do the job. Hence trying to get some info.Why are these measurements critical to you ? Generally you can mix and match most 45 mm track systems as they have similar cross sections but not all do, some will need an adapter to join together. Most rail used in these systems fall into the description of "code 332". The 332 refers to the height of the rail from its foot to the rail head measured in thousands of an inch. This is standard practice across all the different rail types used across all scales. Most code 332 rail produced is flat bottom section and most fall into proportions to be the same or a near match in to that used by LGB the past predominant supplier. If you want to sell your product you need to be able to be compatible with LGB, or near as dammit. Compared to other 45 mm rail used in "finescale" track systems, like those for use with Gauge 1, it is quite chunky. The primary suppliers of code 332, and generally accepted as compatible to LGB without modification are - LGB,Trainline,Aristocraft,USA Trains,Piko, Bachmann. There are others. Some specialist 45 mm gauge track system maker use LGB's, and others, rail to make up specialized track pieces or whole systems. There are one or two Code 332 suppliers where an adapter will be required to join to other mainstream code 332 systems, Tenmille comes to mind here. It is possible to join other different code sizes, like Peco's G45 code 250, where the railhead heights are matched at the same height when joining with the correct adapter. I hope that helps. It;s that or getting the digital calipers out in any sample you can get hold of
3
OK - right.
Would those be clones of the clamps made by the sadly defunct Split-Jaw company? Those were/are my standard clamps because they do allow joining slightly different rail sections.
I don't know - when I wanted some clamps, these were the only ones that Trackshack had in stock, so I bought a few - I only needed a few at the time
Like others, I use rail clamps for all my points/turnouts. Makes it easy to remove the points.I don't know - when I wanted some clamps, these were the only ones that Trackshack had in stock, so I bought a few - I only needed a few at the time
1
I did have an issue with some rail not clamping in correct with Hillman Clamps. To make things work I cut a small shim of brass sheet and plonked it in the clamp. This was to the outside of the rail thus pushing the insides together to maintain a smooth ride for the wheels.
