Getting Real Column - 4
two tracks side-by-side, and use a pencil to mark the amount
of rail that needs to be cut off to make the rails meet. Just
as the real railroads do, I leave the joints staggered, which
results in smoother running. I cut off the excess rail using
Xuron rail cutters.
The spikes will need to be trimmed from one or two ties to
allow the rail joiner to slide on. I use a scalpel with a no. 11
blade to do this. What else – I am a physician! A scalpel blade
is sharper and has a thinner profile than the usual hobby knife
blades. Scalpel handles and blades are readily available from
Amazon.com and others. A handle will run about $10, and you
can get 100 blades for about $13.
7. Marking the location to cut.
7
MRH-May 2014
