O Gauge railroad ties

I've used Moondog Express along time ago. But I believe they're out of business. Few years ago I searched the internet and found the rubber ones with the woodgrain embossed on them and tie plates. Unfortunately I don't remember where.  They are becoming very hard to find.  I'd search the internet for current suppliers or eBay.

You can check to see if the seller has any left from this post.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...es-for-o-gauge-track

I heard that 3R Plastics only does production runs. All I have purchased have been bought from members here and for reasonable prices. I won't pay what the scalpers else where ask for them. I have made several hundred out of wood and was very happy with them. I need to make several hundred more. 

What is the best way to make wood ties? I guess you would need a small Micro Mark table saw? What is the best wood to use? Will regular 1x4's from Lowes or Home Depot work?

On my previous layout using tubular track, I wanted a bit more realistic look to the track. I wanted to add ties, but was too cheap to pay a big price. So, I made my own by using 1/4" wood window screen molding that you can buy in long sticks. The shape is almost exactly like that of the metal ties and the same width. I cut them to the length needed and painted them black (I had O tubular which also is the exactly the right height). Here are some pictures.

Ranger Rick,

What is that made out of? Plastic?

Good find Rick. I have not seen that screen molding for a long time. I wonder if it is still available around here. I made mine out of pine and used a full size table saw. It's no fun making tiny pieces with a large spinning blade. Painted them black with flat spray paint.   

I got mine from Three R Plastics several years ago. I would suggest calling them to see if they have any in stock.  1-815-675-0844  

TNCENTRR and PATTERNPILOT, the molding is made out of solid pine. I used a strip wood cutter to cut mine, though I found that some was easier to cut that way than others. I see that Home Depot has it available https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wo...ing-109605/203898775. Lowe's may have gone to only plastic. Menard's has it too.

You can make a lot of ties cheaply.

Rick

It's just wood or plastic so a milling bit in drillpress with a temp. fence would work too. IF you made slots.

Otherwise even a hand saw would cut a length. A hacksaw would even cut lengths quick and clean the girth is so small 

Rick: Great idea, I'm redoing one of my layouts. How often do you place a tie between the metal ties ? Thanks.. Bob

Bob, I always enjoy your posts and the progress on your layout and of course the commentary on it too. As for the spacing of the ties, you will see that it comes pretty naturally. On curved pieces of track, I could only add one more wood tie between the metal. On the straight pieces, it seems to me that I could add and evenly space two of the wood ties. I had to leave that layout in Atlanta, so I cannot go down and check. Sorry. I have rebuilt another layout here in Ohio and I used Gargraves track this time. By the way, late this summer, my layout in Atlanta was filmed and may be seen in a future Gorilla Glue commercial. I have not gotten any further information on it. I am adding a couple of more pictures of the ties. Hopefully it will give you an idea of spacing.

tncentrr posted:

What is the best way to make wood ties?

Best way is to buy them from Kappler and not waste time and money both.

But, if you set up 3 fences on your band saw for width, height, and length you can make as many as you want from whatever wood you prefer.  Suggest you use clear pine and to avoid all hard woods.

As is typical of queries I have posted on various topics on this forum, I am so grateful for the incredibly helpful information shared by so many.  For a variety of reasons, I will go the least expensive route, limit purchases of any plastic ties I can secure, and make the rest myself.  Here are a few comments on some of the posts:

1.  I had previously contacted the person who had offered 3R plastic ties - long gone. 

2.  Do not see any means to purchase plastic ties from previous manufacturers, and limited offers available privately.

3.  The ones I made previously were from 1/4" X 1/2" X 4' hardwood strips from Home Depot (see photos).  I cut them to 2.5" lengths using a chop (miter) saw.  Stacked several strips for each cut.  Fit perfectly under existing metal ties.  Tip: paint the full length before cutting, otherwise you will have small ties blown all over from the force of the spray paint.  (Don't ask why I know this.)

4.  The screen molding strips look great and the price is incredible, especially for 8' lengths. They appear to be 3/4" in width.  Not sure I want that width or whether the strip will fit under the existing metal tie.  Were not in stock in any of the Home Depot stores in my area.  If I go this route, will have to order them. If necessary, may have to pare down to 1/2" widths (jig saw?).

5. I use 3 ties between existing metal ties on standard lengths of straight track. 

Thanks again.  Enjoy your trains,

Michael

A second for Kapplar Lumber.  

MIKE CT,

I went to the Kappler Lumber website. I saw where they had O scale Standard Gauge Ties. Is that what you used? Do they look ok in tubular track?

Thanks

If you have a table saw, you can buy 1/4" thick neoprene rubber and cut your own ties.  I've done it in the past with good results.  

Ranger Rick posted:

Bob, I always enjoy your posts and the progress on your layout and of course the commentary on it too. As for the spacing of the ties, you will see that it comes pretty naturally. On curved pieces of track, I could only add one more wood tie between the metal. On the straight pieces, it seems to me that I could add and evenly space two of the wood ties. I had to leave that layout in Atlanta, so I cannot go down and check. Sorry. I have rebuilt another layout here in Ohio and I used Gargraves track this time. By the way, late this summer, my layout in Atlanta was filmed and may be seen in a future Gorilla Glue commercial. I have not gotten any further information on it. I am adding a couple of more pictures of the ties. Hopefully it will give you an idea of spacing.

 

Thanks Rick ! That's just what I was looking for. I've learned a lot on this  thread and will be using many hints as time goes by. Good luck with your old layout to be on TV sometime.. Bob

For those of you who want to try the pine molding, it is perfect height for the O tubular track. it is even rounded like the metal tie is on the track. It will be too high for O-27 track and their ties are more flat. Trust me.....I did my whole layout that way.