Garden Railway Forum

I finally about to lay down the first track this weekend but wonder how to much gap between the rails for expansion and contraction.

I've never really taken much care over expansion gaps in this scale as I've never really been affected them. I've run in minus temperatures and the heat of summer and never had to adjust the rail. One thing I would like to do however is see if by laying bigger gaps between the rails one can get a better "clickity clack" sound!

You could try a small cut in the top of the rail at intervals for the da dum da dum sound

You definatley need expansion gaps and I suggest about 1.5mm every yard of track. It is surprising how much rail does expand and if the rail is laid tightly it will lift and will need relaying.

I was told the best way is to place a 1 pence peice as a jig pace it in the gap push until tight and then pop the coin out and there you go, gap set.

Thanks. I should try the 1p idea.