Making a Track Template

(This was my original plan, however, after much thought, we laid track directly on the ground as done at the Waushakum Live Steamers)

September 15, 1999

I am a member of a great Live Steam club, however, I cannot be there for many run days and I would prefer not to run at the club alone. I would also like to have a place to test out current projects and be able to have a short run on a day I can't get out to the club. Wheather you want to build a small (or large) track in your back yard there are many ways to go about it. I choose to have my track in 10' sections. This is not the only method for laying track. If not, you may find another method more suitable to your needs.

We begin by building a "Track Template". This will consist of a portable table that sits on saw horses for portability and storage purposes.

Items needed:

My track template is set up for both 7-1/4" and 4-3/4" gauges. I placed 26 spacers leaving room for 25 ties. Spacers and track gauges are held down with sheet rock screws. One side of the jig has a piece of 1/8" plywood to help align ties as they are placed in the jig. The left end of the jig has a stop screwed into the end spacer to keep the rail at 1-1/2" from end of last tie and keep the rails even.

See photos below for sample of actual jig in operation below.

View of track jig: spacers, rail guides, rail stop.

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Jig with ties in place waiting for rail.

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