Track Maintenance

A club member delivered a large log to HQ, intending it to be cut up to make new sleepers. It appears to be a hardwood, varying in colour from pale yellow to light brown and feels oily/greasy. I have cut it up into liftable lumps about 12 x 9 x 9", weighing approximately 15Kg each. Have so far found it easy to handsaw with a new, sharp saw, into 63 sleepers 8 x 1. 1/2 x 1", with several blocks left. Oodles of sawdust goes on garden with kitchen waste.

Club is investigating a supply of brown solid recycled plastic for replacement in future. Solid is necessary to securely hold the screws holding down the rails and signalling ramps, similar to Swindon practice. Model engineering suppliers contacted, only supply hollow plastic sleepers, which are unsuitable for our purpose.

DMB

2*1 plastic roofing battens, they are solid and come in long lengths. Easy cut to length with chop saw

Edinburgh council have some benches made from recycled solid plastic "sawn wood" and I have seen the same stuff used as fence posts and rails here

The benches had the makers tag on them but I can't remember where the benches were... old age

found a spare slats page, this type of thing

decent plastic isn't cheap, never has been

Edited By Ady1 on 09/11/2021 00:58:48

I recently had to replace rotting sleepers , i used solid plastic cut from plastic decking boards ,should last a long time i hope.

Greetings to you all. Duncan has the answer as above.

A while ago, Model Engineer had a several part article "Plastic Magic" describing the use of recycled plastic as sleepers.

Regards

Brian

Kedel make a range of recycled plastic products including battens of various sizes. Some made to order and they may cut to size for you so basically ready made sleepers. *** Kedel ***

John

Have a look at F H Brundle who supply all sorts of steel, wrought iron parts, fencing, decking etc etc. The 'Hanit' plastic profiles might be of interest. In Theory trade only but accept orders via Web site against credit card. Great prices if you if you are looking for quantity.

Michael

Have bought galvanised fencing items from F H Brundle in the past, as a retail customer, can vouch for their products and delivery, no connection except satisfied customer. Dave W

Noting the posts about using recycled plastic for replacing sleepers, I found this - some interesting information for anyone who wants to try. I found the tubular heaters and thermostatic controls on BangGood.

Link

At Cambridge Model Engineers we use a local company called filcris thay supply many sections of recycled plastic wood. They have advertised in ME in the past.

Paul