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[NG Retired]

How do you allow for expansion when moving from fishplates to brass rail connectors?

 

[Rhinochugger]

How do you allow for expansion when moving from fishplates to brass rail connectors?

It depends on your track set up, length, and complexity.

Expansion of brass track is not huge, but I have always relied on the floating track principle. Fix the track infrequently and, where possible, allow a curve between fixings - any expansion will simply push the track outwards a fraction at the curve.

To be honest, it's not too much of a problem to worry about. The LGB sliding fishplates were not designed for expansion per se, they were just simply a follow-on from what was done in the smaller scales. Aristocraft and USAT always used screwed fishplates and I am not aware of people mentioning expansion problems.

 

[Gizzy]

My track floats on the ballast.

On my old layout, I used the fishcake joiners with the 'dogbone' joiners attached under the sleepers on the curves.

I had no expansion issues.

I built a new layout when I moved home. This time I have used track clamps.

Again I have not had expansion problems.

I use mainly LGB track, but I do have PIKO, ART and TrainLine as well....

 

[NG Retired]

It depends on your track set up, length, and complexity.

Expansion of brass track is not huge, but I have always relied on the floating track principle. Fix the track infrequently and, where possible, allow a curve between fixings - any expansion will simply push the track outwards a fraction at the curve.

To be honest, it's not too much of a problem to worry about. The LGB sliding fishplates were not designed for expansion per se, they were just simply a follow-on from what was done in the smaller scales. Aristocraft and USAT always used screwed fishplates and I am not aware of people mentioning expansion problems.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll not worry about it

 

[Rhinochugger]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll not worry about it

I mean, I did look at the original question slightly differently, and was tempted to answer a question about expansion by saying, well you act as normal and try and negotiate a bit more garden with your better half

 

[craigwrdouglas2]

I have brass rail laid in Scotland, so I didn't bother with expansion gaps

 

[Paul M]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll not worry about it

You may find that you'll need to make adjustments from time to time, things do move over time.

 

[Rhinochugger]

You may find that you'll need to make adjustments from time to time, things do move over time.

Yeah, mine moved from Sussex to Norfolk

 

[Rhinochugger]

I've just realised, normally we warn people about the dodgy humour on here - we have been remiss, it's already happened