Aloha,
Every time I throw something out, LSC member and “pen pal” Bill Barnwell shows how to make a masterpiece out of it by combining the junk with a stapler and some nail heads , so I thought I would ask before consigning my Bachmann trap to trash bin! All but the turn-outs are that thin metal stamped into a rail shape. They have served their purpose circling the previous owner’s Christmas tree and providing us “indoor track” from time to time. Their ends are misshapen, the rails rusty, and they are now more frustrating than functional. I was able to retire 24 feet of 12" track sections of brass track on the Triple O with a recent purchase of 4’ LGB track, but CINCHOUSE authorized the expenditure on the condition I retire the B’mann track that was giving Kid-zilla, and thus her, fits.
With the straight and curve tracks, I am just sort of fishing for ideas here. Can they be bent to look like re-railers on bridges? Or will these rails just crimp? Can the metal rails or plastic ties be repurposed? Right now, I plan to use some on a train storage self and hand the rest over to the crew for rail-themed art projects.
The turn-outs, which look much more robust and appear to be solid stainless or other silvery metal, look like they could be useful following some Dremel work and railclamps. I am worried, though that would simply set in motion galvanic corrosion when I clamp them to the brass LGB rail that predominates on the Triple O. Any thoughts or personal experiences on this?
Off to the Ewa Railroad to celebrate Wailua Agriculture Co. #6’s 100th Birthday!
Have a great weekend!
Eric