Hard to connect Ross track

I would suggest a block of wood and a small hammer to knock it together. 

Wearing gloves, like thin mechanic's gloves, can help.

I hear you!

I will be trying the gloves and the small hammer with a block of wood……thank you.

Peter

One has to be careful with Ross and Gargraves track as they are both hollow rail and can dent easily. The suggestion of gloves by @Putnam Division , Peter, and a block of wood and small hammer is a great way to connect this type track. Be sure you run your wiring thru the table, and I think Ross and Gargraves have connectors t screw the track to the table. I do recommend Homasote. We used Gargraves and Ross custom pre-curved track. Good luck, post some pictures. Happy Railroading Everyone

The Tool!

Ron

I bought a Ttracker tool like Ron showed from another forum member which worked well once I got the hang of it.  After I did my initial track laying, I sold it to a third forum member.  To my knowledge, they aren’t made anymore, but someone may know differently.

Then I got the bright idea to add some additional tracks, and I am now in the process of realigning a whole 180 degree curve and extending a passing siding.  Since selling, I have been using the hammer and block of wood.

I have arthritis in my thumbs and have braces like Peter’s.  Since the last track change, I have acquired arthritis in all my fingers.  I’ll be seeing how the hammer and block of wood work in that situation.  😄

  What I’ve done with difficult to connect Ross or Gargraves. Is to insert just the pin into the rails to be joined. Tap it in with of block of wood and a small hammer. Once seated up against the nub. Remove it with a pair of pliers and do the same to the other 2 rails. It seems once the rails see a pin for the first time. They tend to accept them a little easier the next time.

Dave that’s exactly what I do when certain track is difficult. Especially after cutting gargraves flex track. I hold pin with pliers at right angle and and insert pin vertically at first and than turn flat. After that I pull it back out. Than when you go to put track together it slides together much easier.

Great information !!!

Thank you to all posters !!!

CB&Q Bill

@PRRronbh posted:

The Tool!

Ron

Does anyone have this tool to sell or lend?  This looks like exactly what I need.  I assume this tool works with curved track as well, right?

@Chessie posted:

Does anyone have this tool to sell or lend?  This looks like exactly what I need.  I assume this tool works with curved track as well, right?

Yes the tool does work on curved track, you just need to get the hang of it, but not hard.  Yes, I'm sorry the one I had is long gone.  Maybe you could start a 'Wanted to Buy' post to see if anyone is done with his. 

I tap the pins into the track with a small tack hammer.  To tighten up the joining track, I use a small block of wood and my tack hammer.  Tap each rail end until they're snug at the joint on the other end.  Trim the open end to be even and repeat the process.