dieseldude . said:
In another thread (http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/22149/iron-island-rr-take-two) I mentioned that I’ve got some AML track ties that are starting to get a bit white from UV exposure. The track has been out for 4 years. I’m redoing the layout and thought it might be a good idea to paint the ties (Krylon Fusion) before reinstalling everything in order to keep them from disintegrating. I realize that AML has a warranty, but I think it might be better to prevent the ties from going bad rather that replacing all of them at a later date. What’s your experience with AML ties? Am I just going to prolong the inevitable? Thanks.
-Kevin.
Kevin,
I have the AMS code 250 (same as yours only narrow gauge) It was painted with Krylon camo brown
when installed (not Fuzion), some was installed in 2005 and the rest in 2007. Right now most of it is chalking and white, the nail heads and tie plate edges (these hold the rail to the tie) can literally be scraped off with a thumb nail.
Last week I watched a cat jump up on the track on the open lattice bench work and about 2 foot of ties fell to the ground, I thought; “that can’t be good” and gave Accucraft a call.
Warranty as it was explained to me is one year, but they did offer to work with me.
The down side is that replacement tie strips won’t be available until the first of November.
As for spray on magic compounds some say they work and some say they don’t. What I have noticed is that most times apples are not being compared to apples. I have expansion joint sections spaced about my long runs of Accucraft track these expansion joint sections are LGB and they look just like the day they were installed in 2007.
Different plastics different reactions.
Having said all that I would paint them if for no other reason
than to blend the ties and rail to the ballast.
Good luck
Rick