Right Size Spikes for Code 100

"Should I be using their 3/8" long Medium, or the 1/4" long small spikes for this. Any thoughts would be appreciated. "

 

     If I plan to spike every tie I like the "small" spikes as their heads are smaller but if only every few ties are spiked I'd use the "med" to get more holding power. I've used the very small 'micro" spikes too but don't like them as much, they have tiny heads and don't hold very well, they work ok if one is careful to not tweak the rails after they are spiked but the "small" spikes seem a better compromise to me....DaveB

How expensive is Homasote vs cork or ther types of fiber roadbed I see advertised?

Thank you,

Al Hummel

Depends.  How thick are the ties?  Are you going to be spiking every tie, 4 spike per tie? 

 

Generally go with the smallest possible as the heads tend to be oversize in scale and that can detract in appearance.

Homasote is also sold in 3.5 in wide strips up to 8 feet long, which works great for straight sections of roadbed. Last time I purchased it was at Menards. It has a black coating on it which helps hold it together. Its used for expansion joints and found near the cement bag section. There's is 6 foot. I've seen it as long as 10 foot at cement plants.

Don't believe that is Homosote.

I would go with HO spikes. easy to use and look correct.

Hmmm, the Homasote by me at menards is sold in 4X8 sheets and is a oatmeal/grayish color.

Thank you all for your input. I think I am going with the small spikes because I will probably spike each tie, eventually, and I used them in HO with code 83 rail. I agree that the look is improved with the smaller spike head. The other thought I have, is starting out with the medium spikes every fifth tie, and then adding in the smaller spikes later as I have the time and energy.

 

I like Homasote because it holds spikes well, and in our AZ climate it is stable. Also cork, and other similar roadbed, is fine for flex track and store bought switches, but is not much good for holding spikes.

There are two type of expansion joint material used. There is a more expensive type which is made of ground rubber, which may be what your referring to.

 "starting out with the medium spikes every fifth tie, and then adding in the smaller spikes later as I have the time and energy"

 

   Keep in mind that O scale ties are spaced about twice as far apart as HO scale ties so you might need to spike about every 3rd tie if using code 100 rail. Code 125 rail is quite a bit stiffer so could stand farther spike spacing......DaveB

You will be surprised how fast it goes. The ties, wooden need to be glued to the roadbed first. The wood will hold the HO spikes really well.

With the right muisic and beverage, it's almost a zen thing and the track just grows along.