Sleepers

[hornbeam]

Afternoon,

I have some flatbottom rail from Tenmille that is slightly undersized but would work in sidings- waste not want not! I will need to source some suitable timber for the sleepers. I have access to a band saw and bench drill as will be using plug in chairs. So what have you used for the sleeper material, and any tips on making a suitable drilling jig? I may end up making them overscale in depth so they are a little more robust.

Thanks

Simon

[MikeWilliams]

Not what you are asking, but I made some Gauge 3 and Gauge 1 plug in chairs a year or two back.  Didn't proceed with the project except for some G1 display track, but I used laser cut sleepers so didn't need a drilling jig - sorry!

Mike

[IanT]

Is the track inside or outdoors Simon?

Regards,

IanT

[Chris_P]

I've no experience of G3 sleepers but having modelled 45mm gauge narrow gauge with timber sleepers based on typical cut down ex standard gauge sizes can make a few observations based on point work built about 20 years ago and left outside since.  It rests on a variety of base materials including traditional roofing felt covered boards and concrete.

Close grained hardwoods have lasted best. I have had to do some spot re-sleepering mainly where the track has suffered from "wet beds" due to either being excessively shaded or routinely covered by moss or fallen leaves etc.  Effective timber treatment is critical with thorough soaking before initial laying and then regular additions of preservative usually applied during very dry weather in the summer so it soaks in well.  For the small quantities required I've usually used the more expensive preservatives from recognised brands intended for timber in ground contact. Initial immersion was of completed track sections in a "bath" of preservative  contained in long plant pot trays.

Close attention to drainage also helps as rot and insects thrive on damp timber so base design can help shed rain and reduce any tendency towards puddles.

Timber is comparatively cheap and easy to obtain but if I was building track today I'd probably explore some of the recycled plastic sheet products which may be suitable for cutting to a suitable size.

[hornbeam]

Thank you everyone, yes outside use using Tenmille chairs and rail. Will have a look and see what timber is available loacally.