drrsenior Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 I have just returned to the hobby after almost 20 years with the intention of building something that not only looks Ok but also functions well. The baseboards are built for 12x2' running into a turntable type fiddle yard. All has gone together well and with parts posted Down Under from the UK the turntable works well. The plan is for 6 tracks of SMP OO on the turntable around 3' 8'' long. The big question is how to align the tracks and give electrical continuity. I was planning on using the traditional barrel bolt into keeper technique but have baulked a little when I realised that I needed 2 bolts but 24 keepers! I cannot buy the keepers separately making it a rather expensive proposition. Does anyone have alternative suggestions or any advice on how to fabricate 22 keepers at a reasonable cost and with minimal tools beyond hacksaws, drills and soldering iron? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Natalie Graham Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 Solder a length of brass tube to a length of brass strip and then cut it into short lengths and drill some holes to fix the bits down with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
drrsenior Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share Posted November 3, 2011 Solder a length of brass tube to a length of brass strip and then cut it into short lengths and drill some holes to fix the bits down with. Thanks. I had a vague idea along those lines. Next trick is finding the right bits on line as I live in semi-rural Queensland, Australia. How did we ever model before the internet unless living near a major centre in the UK (which I used to do- modelling ceased when I emigrated but I have just returned from 20 months in London which has kick started me again) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 Also worth checking out if you are going to have to buy the brass tube and strip is what your DIY stores stock in aluminium extrusions. There may be a stock small channel section or similar suitable for the job. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poor Old Bruce Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 I have seen smallish barrel bolts (of a size I use on my own layout) in a 99p shop (two in a pack for 99p) so getting some of those and chopping into short pieces shouldn't break the bank. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 Mind you, it may be a bit difficult to find a 99p shop in rural Queensland - I guess they are a little bit few, and far, between Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
drrsenior Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Mind you, it may be a bit difficult to find a 99p shop in rural Queensland - I guess they are a little bit few, and far, between True...I know where there is one in Muswell Hill!......but fortunately we do have $2 shops. 100mm bolts are $2 from which I reckon I can get at least 6 keepers, so with 2 x75mm for the alignment, a bit of judiciously 'tightening' of the keepers to remove slop, with a hammer!, then I reckon I can get away with it for around $12..............................7 pound 50 to you. A good result so thank you to you all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted November 4, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 4, 2011 I use square brass tube, the 2 aadjacent sizes which telescope into each other, that way you can just buy the lengths of male/female you require and make the bolts to your own requirements. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 And having got the bolts and keepers, build the thing with the bolts and make sure it works THEN lay the track. That way it'll have the mechanical accuracy and not have to worry about a screw hole in wood being 1/4 mm out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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