How to Install HO Rail Spikes

Use HO spikes to add realism to the train tracks and aid in holding the tracks secured.

Install HO spikes in your model railroad tracks to add a touch of realism to your hobby. Like actual railroads, the HO spikes go through the track ties, helping to hold the tracks to the roadbed that they run along. Unfortunately, HO rail spikes are too small to actually hold the track down by themselves, so you'll have to use glue along with the spikes to secure the track to the railway bed. Since the glue dries clear though, it will appear as though the spikes are the only think holding your rails in place, just as with full-sized railroads track ties.

Things You'll Need

• HO railroad track
• Model railroad roadbed material
• Utility knife
• White glue
• Rail joiners
• HO rail spikes

Instructions

1. Plan the HO model railroad track placement by laying the track out onto the railroad table and marking the sides of the track onto the board.

2. Remove the track from the board and replace with the roadbed material, usually cork, which you're using as a support material for the track. The roadbed absorbs vibration from the train over the track, reducing track movement on the board.

3. Place the track onto the roadbed, centered down the roadbed length. Cut the roadbed edges off with a utility knife so that the roadbed extends only 1/4-inch from either side of the track.

4. Glue the roadbed in place over train table with white glue. Run a bead of the glue along both edges of the roadbed then press the roadbed onto the board. Hold it in place for 30 minutes to allow the glue to begin to set then allow an additional 24 hours for the glue to bind the roadbed to the table securely.

5. Place the track back onto the roadbed and connect the tracks together using rail joiners where the tracks meet.

6. Push the HO rail spikes through the holes in the track ties and into the roadbed. The track ties are the small, wooden-looking boards crossing beneath the track rails. Use a light amount of force to insert the spikes loosely in place. At this point, use the spikes only to hold the tracks in position, not to pin the tracks down.

7. Place a dab of white glue beneath the track ties to hold the track to the roadbed. Push the spikes the remainder of the way into the roadbed so that the spike heads are flush with the track ties. Take care not to crush the roadbed beneath the tracks. Place spikes through every tie to give the rails a realistic appearance. Wait overnight for the glue to dry, securing the tracks and turning transparent in the process.

References

• Dan Becker's Model trains: Laying Track
• Model Train Guide: Track and Ballast

Resources

• NMRA: Trackwork Basics