3R Plastics ties...

Oh Yes I Have!!!  They are very nice.  I like O27 track.  Low profile, durable, very conductive, inexpensive and available up to O54 curves. With 3R Plastic ties and scenery work the track looks good on a layout.

 

 

FWIW, there is O27-profile O72 to be found if you look.  I have myself although it isn't currently in use.

I use the 3R Plastic ties for my 027 and O gauge track, they make it look much better.

Make sure you order the correct track tie as they have three sizes or had three sizes the last time I ordered some; 027, O gauge and S gauge.

For use with 027 and O gauge I use three ties between the metal ties or six on each full section of track.

 

Many years ago Moondog Company(now out of business) used to make plastic ties like 3R Plastics but they were smooth without any raised areas on them.

However I like the 3R Plastic ties better.

 

Lee Fritz

I use the O Gauge version and like them a lot. They're conveniently located about ten miles from me, so I called in an order one afternoon and picked them up the next morning. Very nice people.

Thanks for the responses and product endorsements. Good to know a product is the right purchase before you order.

How are you fastening the ties to the rails??

I used them on my last layout which used 027 tubular track and the ties made the layout look that much better.  You just slide them under the track and when you screw the track down the ties became wedged which holds them in place.  Later when I ballasted the track I removed the screws and the glued ballast held everything together.

 

Here are a couple of pics of my old layout that used them.

 

 

Paul

 

ps: I've got about 750 used 027 brown ties from my old layout that I'd be willing to sell if your interested, most have a slight amount of white glue and some have a little ballast stuck to them but they would easily wash off with warm water or they can be used as is if your going to ballast.  Shot me an email if your interested at serows1@gmail.com.

Ed,

Thanks for asking the question!  I am considering using 027 track for a layout, and will put some kind of extra ties under the open spaces.  I have some 60+ year-old 027 track, and just bought some 54" diameter 027 track today to try new stuff with a more reasonable diameter.  These 3R ties look mighty good gents!!

Yep! 

 

Jon

But once you cover them in ballast you might as well just use wood ties!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great looking pic Jon, makes me miss my old 027 layout.  I really miss the clicky clack of the trucks on the track.

 

Paul

I use them too. I put Midwest Products cork roadbed under the track and then "glued" the ties down with clear silicone caulk. The ties have stayed in place for about 7 years now, and the few changes I made early on were made without making a mess.



J White

I bought some over a year ago and am finally installing them this week after tearing down and rebuilding my layout.  They're a great product.

 

Since most will be on an elevated track, I'm adding a dab of glue on either side to assist them staying in place.  I did this test section a few days ago and so far, so good.

 

Yes, I realize it's weird to put ties on elevated track--I just think it looks better than the tubular alone.

 

Those of you who are using the 3R plastic ties, are you gluing the ties to the underside of the rail or are you gluing the ties to the sub-roadbed surface? Just wondering if one practice is preferable to the other.

In the picture of my layout two posts up, you'll see a trolley line behind the elevated portion. I've since added the plastic ties to that as well.

First I secured the ties to the track with plain old elmers white glue. Once dry, I screwed the track down to the carpet/plywood. Between the glue and then being "snugged down" into the carpet, they most certainly aren't going anywhere.  It didn't occur to me to do it any other way, but I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

These really do improve the look of tubular for hi-rail/3RS use. Good pics in this thread