Sleeper

[DafyddElvy]

I'm about to start track construction in the garden, because I'm scratch building all my points I need some sleeper material.
I have a small bench saw making cutting my own sleepers from a sheet of suitably material a viable option.

What I'd like some information about is the most suitable material to cut sleepers from.

On previous indoor 0 gauge layouts I have key pak'd rail chairs to sleepers and I'd like to do the same with the garden tramway.

What type of mde or hdpe or ??? material would my sleepers best be made from, thanks?


David

 

[tac foley]

Jelutong is good.

 

[Rhinochugger]

I'm about to start track construction in the garden, because I'm scratch building all my points I need some sleeper material.
I have a small bench saw making cutting my own sleepers from a sheet of suitably material a viable option.

What I'd like some information about is the most suitable material to cut sleepers from.

On previous indoor 0 gauge layouts I have key pak'd rail chairs to sleepers and I'd like to do the same with the garden tramway.

What type of mde or hdpe or ??? material would my sleepers best be made from, thanks?


David

It's worth looking at places like Cornwall Model Boats - they have a changing stock list of small timber sections, but they are all hardwoods which are ideal for sleepers. Once you've worked out what cross sectional dimension of timber you want, you need to dive into each of the different wood types that they have in stock; you can usually find something that fits the bill.

 

[DafyddElvy]

I was thinking more about and ABS or similar so that I could glue the chairs to the sleepers.

Once laid the track will be held in place with a cement mortar mix, I'm not convinced wood would be my best option. I'll also be using code 180 and code 200 rail which is fine for all my stock.


David

 

[Northsider]

I wouldn't use jelutong outdoors: whilst it is stable and has minimal movement, it isn't overly rot-resistant in the UK. Oak, cedar or teak (with afromosia being a good substitute for the latter) would be my preferences, but bear in mind that the dust from afromosia is very fine, and harmful. Extraction and a mask are recommended. A preservative of some sort will prolong their lifespan.

 

[Northsider]

I was thinking more about and ABS or similar so that I could glue the chairs to the sleepers.

Once laid the track will be held in place with a cement mortar mix, I'm not convinced wood would be my best option. I'll also be using code 180 and code 200 rail which is fine for all my stock.


David

Possibly worth looking at Filcris. I don't know much about it, as it's beyond my price point!

 

[Slawman]

There is a wood-like product here in Australia called Ekodeck I use in the garden (not for sleepers but for other things).

Ekodeck | Australia's #1 Composite Decking, Cladding & Screening

Tried & Tested in Australia since 2009 with a proven history of performance, Ekodeck is #1 in Composite Decking. Available exclusively at Bunnings Warehouse.

www.ekodeck.com.au

You can cut it and work with it like wood and it stands up to outside much better than wood.

One plank should make a lot of G scale sleepers.

 

[dunnyrail]

I was thinking more about and ABS or similar so that I could glue the chairs to the sleepers.

Once laid the track will be held in place with a cement mortar mix, I'm not convinced wood would be my best option. I'll also be using code 180 and code 200 rail which is fine for all my stock.


David

Plastic Coated Foamboard would work better than many other types of plastic as it does not flex/expand/contract like HIPS or some other Plastic types of material. Plus it is easily obtained in sundry sizes and easy to cut. If you want some wood type relief it is easy to add this by randomly dragging an old hack saw blade over it. Super Glue and pins should hold things in place nucely.

 

[JimmyB]

Super Glue and pins should hold things in place nicely.

Plastic weld works very well, once suitable soaked.