Ross track pins

Gargraves offers a connector, 910-4, that is a slip-fit between the rails.  It's often used when removing a section of track and installing a switch, operating track section, etc. or some other application where the use of track pins is very difficult.

 

I'm going to use them in lieu of track pins on the layout I'm planning for 2015--adjacent track sections can be butted against each other.

Options:

1. file/dremel/cut the nubby off

2. use hammer and block to slam the track together 

3. use standard pin, solder over the top of the pin

4. if you're going to make the joint that tight, cut the pin in half and just use half the pin

 

You can probably use a small rod, just start sticking the back of drill bits into the rail until you find the size that fits the best. 

Ross gives you pins with each track section, so I've always just taken the cheap solution to modify the pins they give you.

Just use a block of wood and tap the track together.

.....

Dennis

You can get them nice and tight just as Dennis has suggested.

 

This is Gargraves to Atlas track with an Atlas track joiner. The Ross profile is probably more acceptable to the Atlas track joiner.

Note that the bottom profile of the Gargraves track has been removed with a dremel tool. 

 

You can also hammer the joint shut at Ross Switches.  They mate perfectly to Gargraves.

 

 

Use the installed pins as is. It keeps the pin evenly spaced between the two track sections.

Thanks for the suggestions. Out of all of them, total removal and replacement seems to be the only workable option.  

Tapping them tight wont work like on Gargraves because the pin actually has a bULGe in the center, which is meant to prevent it from being pushed too far into the rail. Lionel old pins have a notch on the pin which gets crimped in place. How many of you know about the special pliers for this?

Any way, because we will be looking at 8 scale miles of track, replacing with bar stock seems like the option. 

I will report back when the proper size and material is found.

Those tiny gaps caused by the stop profile on Gargraves track pins will in no way have a detrimental effect on operation. The diameter of the O gauge wheel is such that it easily bridges the tiny gap. If you are concerned about potential rough spots; if you have switches you have plenty.

Not sure what your problem is. I tighten up the joints and smooth the inside edge with a file.  There is not much of a bump from the track pins.  

Have you bought it already, your first post implies no.  If not then Altas track with Ross switches may be a better route.  You can't just replace Gargraves rails with bar stock.

Dan

That little bump in the pin basically disappears as you tap the track home.  Give it a try.

I filed off the bump for a flush fit.  As I recall, I believe this was necessary to achieve the advertised diameter (center-to-center.)

 

I believe the sharp-edged gap would certainly take its toll on traction tires and increase running noise.  Depending on how tight the curves are and proximity to a switch, it could trigger derailments.  MTH locomotives (at least the first ones made in Korea) have relatively "soft" wheels; I was concerned about flange wear too.

 

Filing off the bump was a pain in the butt!  I never had a problem keeping the pin centered in the joint even without the bump.  Yes I agree that smooth pins should be available for purchase to eliminate this non-value added effort.  Thanks for bringing this up and please share your solution when you find one.  -Ted

 

Sway,  I'm sorry I just don't see what your problem is. The bump is there in the GG track pins only to insure that equal amounts extend into the track when you put them together.  It is not intended to keep the tracks separate with a gap. My whole layout is made with Gargraves Track hammered together tight and trains run on it smooth as silk.  Since the pins are flat stock the "bump" is only side to side and does not affect the running surface of the track

.....

Dennis 

Thanks everyone. Will take a look at the track this weekend. Its at the club.

 

That said, it seems to me that Ross pins are not the same as Gargraves pins.  After saturday I should have more info and photos.

From the Ross Website:  "Gargraves uses the same flat track pin that we do".

.....

Dennis

I have numerous Ross turnouts on my layout mated to Gargraves hammered tight. With the Ross/Gargraves combination I can back my lightest, cheapest MPC cars through them at speed without any danger of derailment, even where the turnouts are back to back. I don't see what the problem is, either.  

OK. So I was trying to mate the track like the old Lionel tubular with pins.  The Lionel required a little bit of push but the track heads came together.  On the Ross pins, both sections of track come together at the pressed bulge. But pushing alone wont join the two railheads. The bulge in the pin keeps them separated.

So now you guys aree telling me that I have to hammer the track sections together?

I tried lightly tapping the pin into the rail past the bulge and this allowed the rails to join railheads properly. But now there is a slight bulge in the railhead where the pins bulge is spreading it. This is normal?

I am so looking forward to hammering 2000 pins.

 

Swav

 

    And your thumbs also!

 

Ray Marion

As mentioned in previous posts, the ears on the pins are to keep the pins even ended and to prevent them from being pushed to far into one track or another when assembling. As others have stated you can place a block of wood on the end and tap to close up the gap. With the exception of a little clickity-clack it will have no bearing on the way your trains run nor will it create any excess wear on wheel sets or traction tires.

FYI the pins used by Ross are purchased from us. Upon request we can provide pins without the ears.

 

The nub on the pins doesn't stop Ross track from fitting tightly together.  They actually serve to keep the sections from coming apart.  Use them as is.  End of dilemma.

Thank you for all the help and replies. I will discuss the best solution with the track crew and work with them.

This is all in preparation for a new MainLine layout at the Chicagoland Lionel RR Club in New Lenox., IL. Construction is expected to start in June 2016. This years summer projects are the installation of a lighting system and sound control.  Some of you will be out at our club in July during the convention.  I'll be there, look me up.