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  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed. Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.
  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.
Martin Wynne

Use of rail anchors to prevent rail-creep

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Martin Wynne

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Martin Wynne submitted a new resource:

Use of rail anchors to prevent rail-creep - Photo showing use of rail anchors on USA spiked flat-bottom rail.

Rail anchors are hammered onto the rail foot and bear against the side of the sleepers (ties) to prevent the rail from creeping through the fixings.

Rail-creep is caused by the rolling-wave effect from the wheels. The rail is pushed forward in the direction of travel. Except on steep gradients, where gravity causes the rail to creep downhill.

It is important to prevent rail-creep because it can cause expansion gaps at rail joints to close up. Which can cause the track to buckle in hot...

Read more about this resource...
 
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Is my memory playing tricks (again) or have I seen something similar attached to the inside flange of FB rail in the UK. IIRC they were spaced quite a distance apart.
@AndyB

Hi Andy,

No tricks. Rail anchors were used in the UK in the days of Elastic spikes and Macbeth spikes on flat-bottom track. Since the invention of the Pandrol clip (1957) they are rarely needed, the Pandrols hold the rail down much more firmly than spikes.

Pics of Elastic and Macbeth spikes:

https://www.scalefour.org/resources/trackdetails02.html

There is a photo of rail anchors on UK FB track, on p.210 of BRT3 and p.277 in BRT4.

Rail anchors are not unknown on bullhead -- I remember posting a link to a photo, but I can't find it at present.

p.s. a model etched rail anchor would make an excellent way of disguising a feed dropper connection, but I'm not aware of anyone making one.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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@AndyB

Hi Andy,

No tricks. Rail anchors were used in the UK in the days of Elastic spikes and Macbeth spikes on flat-bottom track. Since the invention of the Pandrol clip (1957) they are rarely needed, the Pandrols hold the rail down much more firmly than spikes.

Pics of Elastic and Macbeth spikes:

https://www.scalefour.org/resources/trackdetails02.html

There is a photo of rail anchors on UK FB track, on p.210 of BRT3 and p.277 in BRT4.

Rail anchors are not unknown on bullhead -- I remember posting a link to a photo, but I can't find it at present.

p.s. a model etched rail anchor would make an excellent way of disguising a feed dropper connection, but I'm not aware of anyone making one.

cheers,

Martin.
Phew! Thanks Martin.
 
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The joys of anti-creep devices.

By the early 1930s the NSWGR had 14 different types in the field.

The Fair type had 3 different versions. Original, Modified and Super.

Then there was the:

Vaughan

Newcastle

Winby

Bulldog (very popular and in a couple of variations over the years)

Woodings

Holdfast

Weston

MB

Henggi

and the homemade Department Design.

Not to forget the ever popular notch the rail foot to lock in the the dog spike shaft.
Effective but not good for the rail.

Today Transport NSW uses the Fair type in New South Wales.

I've never seen an accurately done model permanent way with correct anchoring.
The types and positioning are so site dependent and also period affected.
Anchors are through formations (crossings and leads/turnouts) as well as plain
track and there are set patterns for application depending on the track type.

Elastic spikes would be a hard ask in 7mm let alone 4mm or 2mm. The NSWGR used 3 or 4 types.
Some have an angle deflection to the head of the spike. Right and left hand orientated.
Elastic Clips (Pandrol) are just a very effective type. So effective that where you need some
longitudinal movement like on bridges you use Zero Toe Load fastenings which are steel caps
placed on the Pandrol housing and the elastic clip rests on top of the cap rather than the rail.

I remember PECO explaining the issues with scaling down Pandrol fittings for their track.
It just wasn't posible to do and keep a mechanical lock on the rail.

Matt M.
 
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