The border of Insanity... Welsh Narrow Gauge in N-4mm

[robert3985]

Yes, eons ago I handlaid a standard-gauge stub switch. In some ways it's easier than a pointed switch.

I agree.

[robert3985]

I choose the code 40 because of the rail profile and since I intend to have the trains at eye level  and seeing the rail profile is just another of those pedantic habits i have.

-Cody F.

Okey Dorky Cody...but, my question was, have you actually laid any code 30 ribbon rail?...then looked at it closely?...at eye level (like Gregg's is)?  The photos I posted are way bigger than life-sized.  If you have not actually looked at the stuff, I would encourage you to do so, because it's not just the height, but the width that really makes a huge difference in the way it looks...including the curved railhead on the ribbon rail as opposed to the waaaaay wide, flat code 40 railhead.

I was also convinced that my eye would be drawn to the lack of a "rail" profile on Gregg's trackage, but I was highly surprised when that didn't happen when I actually looked at his actual trackage...actually...

Looking at DKS's photos, I don't notice the lack of a rail profile either.

But, if you're adamant about the having a "rail" profile...code 40 is your only choice as far as I know.  We all look at things differently.

Just sayin'....

By the way DKS, your work is exquisite, as usual...

[DKS]

By the way DKS, your work is exquisite, as usual...

Thank you!

I choose the code 40 because of the rail profile and since I intend to have the trains at eye level  and seeing the rail profile is just another of those pedantic habits i have.

Cody, here's a shot of the Code 25 ribbon rail painted, ballasted and sceniced. This can make a difference in perception. I'm kind of a fussy modeler, but I have no qualms about the ribbon rail.

[VonRyan]

Okey Dorky Cody...but, my question was, have you actually laid any code 30 ribbon rail?...then looked at it closely?...at eye level (like Gregg's is)?  The photos I posted are way bigger than life-sized.  If you have not actually looked at the stuff, I would encourage you to do so, because it's not just the height, but the width that really makes a huge difference in the way it looks...including the curved railhead on the ribbon rail as opposed to the waaaaay wide, flat code 40 railhead.

I was also convinced that my eye would be drawn to the lack of a "rail" profile on Gregg's trackage, but I was highly surprised when that didn't happen when I actually looked at his actual trackage...actually...

But, if you're adamant about the having a "rail" profile...code 40 is your only choice as far as I know.  We all look at things differently.

I myself have not laid any code 30 ribbon rail, or any rail for that matter.

In Gregg's photos, to me it is quite obvious that the rail is just rectangular wire of sorts, not a well defined "rail", though it could just be the angle and possibly affects of telephoto lenses.
As it is, code 40 does look about right for the rail that the Talyllyn uses as of current and even some used in the late 50s before it was gifted to the preservation society.

Once you get down to DKS' code 25, in his various photos, the rail is so small that i can't quite make out a lack of profile thereof.

With the trains being so small (tiny slate wagons mostly), and my modelling focus initially being a bend in the track that goes through a field, in its mossy state in about the year 1950 or 1951, i figure that perhaps the code 30 (or even 25) may be useful in height, but the way the scenery is going to be built up it may pose challenges.

For the best reference possible, i turn you to the following...

After one minute, you probably should have the gist of what i'm going for. And by the looks of it (even though i end up watching this film every two days) code 30 rail probably would get the job done. Though code 40 will be used for the more exposed rail in the slate mine area.

Speaking of code 30 rail (or 25) what is the most economical source for about 10 feet of it to be on the safe side. I figure at first only one foot of it will be sufficient to make a 6 inch test/display track.


-Cody F.

[DKS]

As it is, code 40 does look about right for the rail that the Talyllyn uses as of current and even some used in the late 50s before it was gifted to the preservation society.

That's interesting, because in N scale Code 40 rail stands 6.4 inches tall, or equivalent to around 100-110 pound rail, which is used on heavy US mainlines. Typical US narrow gauge lines use 60-65 pound rail, which would be in the range of 4-4.5 inches tall. My Code 25 ribbon rail scales to 4 inches.

Useful reference: http://www.icrr.net/rails.htm

[VonRyan]

That's interesting, because in N scale Code 40 rail stands 6.4 inches tall, or equivalent to around 100-110 pound rail, which is used on heavy US mainlines. Typical US narrow gauge lines use 60-65 pound rail, which would be in the range of 4-4.5 inches tall. My Code 25 ribbon rail scales to 4 inches.

Makes sense. I'd say that'd be perfect for my near-recreation of the stretch of track in the opening of the film.
There is a section where they show some people handling rail, and it looks like it might only be 2.5 or 3 inches high.
I saw a couple old photos where on the waste dumps high above the mine, old standard gauge rail was used with ties made from pipe. It was probably about 5.5 or 6 inch rail.

So for the "embedded" track and track not in the mine, i suppose code 25 or 30 will work fine.
Whats a decent source where i don't have to buy more than 15 feet at a time.

-Cody F.