What is the Current Verdict on Central Valley Molded Ties?

[narrowminded]

As the title says, wondering where this stands.  I did a search and it seems to stop in midair without a real final verdict one way or the other.  The idea looks great to me and looks like the detail would be nice but...

[GaryHinshaw]

As far as I know, it's no different than where the last thread left off.   I was not able to seat ME code 55 weathered rail reliably, so I left it at that.  I did have somewhat better luck with unweathered ME rail, but I don't have a need for very much code 55 wood tie track, so I never pursued it.

I would be very keen on turnout ties like they offer in HO, and/or a code 40 version of the regular ties, but I'm not holding my breath.  I can't imagine the current strips are selling like hotcakes.

[C855B]

I like the concept, and would have considered it if I wasn't already so invested in ME flex in both C55 and C40. I feel it would have worked better for my tracklaying style, and, like Gary said, a Code 40 option would have been great. But I press on with the ME, because...

Gary, if you can imagine this - given the ups and downs of the flex track market over the past decade, I didn't want to risk progress being waylaid for years because of supply issues. So I have enough track on hand to do pretty close to the entire layout. The full plan.

[wcfn100]

It's grown on me with it's look.  I don't remember if I passed this along, but I emailed CV about all of this and they said the proper way to press the rail is to use a "Formica roller from Ace Hardware".  I never did try and track one of those down to try it.



Jason

[narrowminded]

It's grown on me with it's look.  I don't remember if I passed this along, but I emailed CV about all of this and they said the proper way to press the rail is to use a "Formica roller from Ace Hardware".  I never did try and track one of those down to try it.

Jason

I have one of those rollers.  Used it for... Formica counter tops!  They are basically just a hard rubber roller. It's smooth and rolls freely.  Might be a bit bulky but you can get the point. 

[randgust]

Their CV bridge kits use the same idea - molded ties are included for bridge ties, you're to put rail down of your choice, and roll the spikes down over the base.

It 'might work'.... the plastic they use in the bridge kit is significantly softer and more flexible than typical injection styrene.   I'd say it has more to do with the thickness and precision of the rail base in comparison to the height of the 'nubs' for how much grip you get.    On my bridges I have to do a full-width deck with a road, so I replaced the ties with Micro-Engineering bridge flex (it doesn't have the obstruction of the longitudal stringer on top of the tie) and they use the same method - a tiny nub flared over to hold the rail base.  That certainly seems to work for them.

I was ready to use the CV tie strip as intended, but I was still going to 'goo' the bottom of the rail base to make sure I had an extra level of security.   If you're worried you might try that.   The nice part is that you've got something there to help establish gauge.

[narrowminded]

Yeah, I'm not sure.  I put a strip or two on my "wish list" at one of the hobby places and will probably order to give it a look.  It would be a lot easier to commit to it if they had switch ties that worked similar.  I certainly like the idea of it.