Track

What kind of track are you using?

I never glue the track down. I use Gargraves screws for securing track. On my current layout I’ve made numerous tweaks to the track route adding switches     or simply making adjustments for smoothness. Makes life much easier.

Thanks Rod,I'll have to Google Gargrave screws.CCJ,I am using Lionel o gauge fastrack and thank you both for your reply.

If you are using Fastrack, then I would definitely screw it down.

There are several standard flathead screws that can be found at most hardware stores.

They are cheaper than the Gargraves screws, and they would look better.Lionel made angled screw holes, and the flathead screw will sit flush. The Gargraves screws are panheads and will stick up above the roadbed, therefore being more noticeable.

I will follow your advice and screw it down with drywall screws,if they would be good for the job.I also have 2-8ft.incline and decline sections.What would you recommend I do for those 2 sections?Just out of curiosity, why is screwing down fastrack a must?"just want to learn".Thanks for your help CCJ!

Don

Screwing down Fastrack is not a must.  On my layout, I have maybe 4 attachment points* on each loop... just keeps things from moving.  The tighter you screw it down, the more noise it will transfer to the table.  My layout is green felt on plywood.

For attaching I use black tywraps.  Cut the head in half and push thru a drilled hole under the track.  Use a second ty wrap to cinch it loosely in place... easy.

#4 wood screws are what you want. 1 inch length should work depending on your bench work.

Available at any local hardware store or online vendor like Amazon etc.

If you have any noise reducing material on top of your bench work you'll want screws that go through and into the benchwork.

Gently snug them down, and then back them off 1/4 or 1/2 a turn so you don't make dips in the track.