Lou Cross code 125 rail dimensions

Just a thought, why not call Lou and ask him.

 

I'm lucky enough to be a close friend and talk to him frequently and can ask him if you don't want to.  One thing we may want to address is the new rail he's bringing in.  He had new dies made and improved the profile.  I only bring this up because there is a possibility the specs may have changed on the new rail.  I don't know this for sure so don't run with it yet......just a possibility.

 

If you do call him be prepared for a nice conversation.

 

Jay

Why not ask your friend for a sample of the rail?  That way, you would have the actual rail he will be using.

Just a thought.

Ed

I'm just curious.... why would you need the rail width to make a track gauge? Track gauge is inside to inside and should be consistent no matter how wide the rail head.

Tom,

The gauge of the track has both a minimum and maximum.  You need the width of the rail head so the maximum gauge is not violated.

Ed

Then I guess we are talking about a gauge that is notched to accept the rail head. Unlike an NMRA gauge that can be used for any rail size and through turnouts, grade crossings, etc. Personal preference I guess.

I use the notched style to hold the rails while I spike.  I cannot imagine trying to spike, then applying the NMRA gauge, although I use it afterwards as a "go-no go" gauge.  It takes a minimum of three.

"I use the notched style to hold the rails while I spike.  I cannot imagine trying to spike, then applying the NMRA gauge"

 

    It's quite easy once you spike a bit. Rail tends to stay pretty close to gauge once a few points are spiked along a length. I spike each end then use a straight edge to spike the center, then do 1/4 points then fill in between. Spiking with just an NMRA gauge just requires learning to hold the rail down with your hand while you spike it, you check the gauge, hold down then spike then check again when all done. Having a few notched type gauges to put on the track to hold it while spiking is a convenience but not a necessity. I make the extra gauges from a small rectangle of wood or plexiglas by just hand sawing grooves at the correct gauge, a few minutes work gives a dozen gauges. They don't have to be super accurate since they stay a few inches ahead of the actual spiking which is controlled by the NMRA gauge......DaveB 

Dave b,

I agree. Same method i use except with notched metal gauges to hold it in place, although i dont really consider them to be gauges, more just holders. They are accurately sized but they are inherently not as accurate at gauging the track properly as the nmra style gauge. Just observations from my experiences. Others may vary.

By sheer coincidence, Lou just called me about something else and while I had him on the phone I asked him about the dimensions of his rail head.  I also verified the issue of him bringing in new rail.  The new rail is more prototypical and actually has a slight crown.

 

NS 125 has a rail head width of .054"

NS 148 "          " .060"

 

Steel 125 has a rail head width of .055"

"    " 148 "                              " .063"

 

The steel rail is older and does not have the same crown.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Jay 

That is exactly what I needed. Thanks. I tried calling him earlier but got no answer.

 

Please understand, the following is not a solicitation or advertisement.  The purpose of this message is just an FYI.

 

I was talking to Lou last night and he mentioned the fact the area he lives in has had numerous thefts from their mailboxes.  Because of this he decided to get a P.O. Box.  This will only apply to USPS delivery.  All other forms of shipping, such as UPS, FedEx, etc, will remain as they are.

 

Having said that his new mailing address is;

 

     Lou Cross

          or

    Right-O-Way

    P.O. Box 165

    Chowchilla, CA 93610

 

Obviously, the top line of the address is one or the other, not both.  I suppose you could use Right-O-Way, Attn: Lou Cross.

 

One item of note, if you ordered or payed for something from Lou and haven't received your items or your check hasn't cleared, it might be wise to give him a call.

 

His number is, (559) 665-1001.

 

Jay

There is a minimum and maximum gauges as stated but it has nothing to do with the rail head width.    The gauge is still the gauge, regardless of width.   The min and max gauge refer to the amount of variation considered acceptable in the distance between the rails.  

 

At one time both Walthers and Kemtron made 3 point gauges which held the rail in gauge for spiking.    They had them for a couple of different rail sizes.    But what was interesting was that the instructions included tips on slightly widening the gauge on curves.    This was/is done by putting the single arm of the 3 point gauge on the inside of the curve and the double arms on the outside.   This widened the gauge by a few thousandths or so.  

Off topic for a minute -- I'm with Lou on the USPS.  They leave valuable boxes under my rural mailbox out on the street 200 ft. from our house in all weather conditions. 

Off topic for a minute -- I'm with Lou on the USPS.  They leave valuable boxes under my rural mailbox out on the street 200 ft. from our house in all weather conditions. 

 

Ditto. Problems with carrier mistakes have increased at our business and home in the past 10 years (both vehicle delivery). We were informed by the OKC Post Office that drivers get paid for the number of steps they take if they get out of the vehicle. Also, they all dress like they're going shopping or to the beach. What happened to professionalism and pride. We pay more and get less than decades ago. 

 

Butch