Call Maintenance of Way!!

I started this new layout over the winter time with the heaters set at a steady 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I was very excited to get the track laid, connected, and get a train running. I had heard before of people soldering every piece of track and decided I would do the same. This was a mistake.

Fast forward to the summer time, where temps have started to reach upper 80's and even 90's. I had forgotten about the possibility of the track expanding due to the heat. Normally I have an air conditioner on that is set at 70 degrees, but with wanting to enjoy the summer air I turned it off. I opened a window and breathed in the fresh air. The air had warmed up the completely soldered track and it began to expand. This expansion was enough to force the track to pop out of the "spikes" holding it against the ties. I tried give it a quick fix, but to no avail.

Popping the rail back in place was the first thing that came to mind, but it would not set back in. My other option was to cut it out and place another piece of track back in. It was more difficult than snapping it back, but it was effective and allowed me to add a little extra room for the expanse that came about with this hot weather. I used a pair of track cutters to snip out the unwanted piece and measured the space for the new stretch of rail. I cut that one to length and finally trimmed away the "spikes" at the ends of the new and old. Trimming away the "spikes" allows for the joiner to slide on easily to the new and existing track connection. Using a sharp hobby knife does the trick. You can also try and avoid this altogether.

The simplest way to prevent this from happening is not soldering every piece of track together. When leaving a gap between connections, it allows easier expansion in the warmer climates so that incidents like the one pictured above don't happen. If you are really wanting to solder your track together, I would recommend putting your layout in a room where the temperature is regulated. If you made the mistake I did I hope this helps you fix the problem, and if you are just starting out, learn from my blunder!