Spikes for GarGraves track

You could use HO spikes. they are not much smaller than O gauge spikes. I like "Lifelike" spikes. I do NOT like Accurail as they look more like cut down Arrow T50 staples. Unfortunately, I only use spikes to repair my Atlas O track if damaged. I  only have the "Crane track" section from Gargraves.

NOTE:  you need to pre-drill the wood ties on Gargraves track before spiking otherwise they can easily split. The Gargraves ties move rather than Ross which uses stringers to hold their ties ridgid.

If spikes are important buy Ross track. Problem solved.

That is my plan, all future track purchases are likely to be Ross but I have some GarGraves on hand and I find spiking rail fun.

I'll try the lifelike and see how that goes.

Thank you for the recommendation

Dennis LaGrua posted:

If spikes are important buy Ross track. Problem solved.

Like Dennis LaGrua; I would rather buy the Ross Custom made track then add spikes to Gargraves track as that seems to be a lot of work, if you do add spikes make sure you have wood ties and not plastic. The Ross track looks much nicer although you might spend a dollar or two more per section for Ross Custom track I think it is worth it! 

The other thing I have come across with my years of track work in O gauge is that Ross Custom track switches hold up much better then Gargraves track switches. Ross Custom switches are more expensive then most other brands of track switches but well worth it!

Lee Fritz

Yes I have. I wouldn't do it for a whole layout. I'd spring for Ross for a layout if you wanted the consistency of spikes. I used recycled Gargraves on purpose to get the look of undermaintained track. Because it was a small amount and it was mixed with Ross switches and track I opted to spike it. I did not pre-drill,  I just made sure I went straight down with the spike and stayed away from the rail so the spike barely touches.

L & N posted:

Yes I have. I wouldn't do it for a whole layout. I'd spring for Ross for a layout if you wanted the consistency of spikes. I used recycled Gargraves on purpose to get the look of under maintained track. Because it was a small amount and it was mixed with Ross switches and track I opted to spike it. I did not pre-drill,  I just made sure I went straight down with the spike and stayed away from the rail so the spike barely touches.

Do you have plastic spikes or wood spikes on the Gargraves track? 

I have tried working with Gargraves plastic switches and found it very difficult at times, so I think the wood ties would work so much better with nails put in them.

Lee Fritz

CMSt&P posted:

I was wondering if anybody here has tried using spikes on GarGraves track? I ordered some spikes from Ross and spiked about 12 feet of mainline before running out. Ross sells spikes for around $15 for 1000 spikes which doesn't go very far when you use 240 spikes per 37" section of straight track. I was wondering if anybody else has tried this and if there are any alternatives to using the Ross spikes. Thanks

I have installed O Scale spikes in Gargraves Phantom tinplate track.  On the layout, I did it after the track had been laid; so, I only used spikes on the visible sides of the rail.

Also, spikes were used to make guard rails on bridges/trestles, and operating track sections for LIONEL accessories.

Easy to do with needle nose pliers; no pre-drilled holes.

1 - after the spiking, then you begin to miss the tie-plates - which Ross track does not have either. Where do you stop?

2 - you stop when you realize that 3-rail track cannot look realistic; it can only look better.. Do you plan to spike the center rail, too? It does not "exist".

phillyreading posted:

Do you have plastic spikes or wood spikes on the Gargraves track? 

I have tried working with Gargraves plastic switches and found it very difficult at times, so I think the wood ties would work so much better with nails put in them.

Lee Fritz

Lee,

The track I used has wood ties. The turnouts are Ross so they are wood ties the balance of the Ross track had spikes.

D500 posted:

1 - after the spiking, then you begin to miss the tie-plates - which Ross track does not have either. Where do you stop?

2 - you stop when you realize that 3-rail track cannot look realistic; it can only look better.. Do you plan to spike the center rail, too? It does not "exist".

 

Agreed, but I stop at Ross. Yes, I spiked the center rail.  Again this was done to match the Ross track and switches used.

Steve

I only spiked the outside rails. I find putting spikes in to be very relaxing. I have wood tie GarGraves track and did not pre-drill and only had a few ties split on me using the Ross ties for my first 12 feet. What kind of spikes are you guys using?