Joining Code 70 and Code 100 Flex Track

[bagman]

Hi guys
Quick question.
I want to join Code 70 to Code 100 flex track using ME transitional rail joiners.
The track in question will be straight, no curves and no turnouts.

Is it necessary to install shims under the Code 70 track as it rises to meet the Code 100 or just leave a natural unsupported rise and back-fill with ballast ?

I have previoulsy joined Code 70 to Code 55 with no support, but wasn't sure with such a "large" difference between C70 and C100.

Appreciate your advice

regards

[rebel]

By shimming you can almost eliminate any grade, if you are doing mainline you might want to shim every 4th or 5th tie as ballast has a hard time of working it's way under the track.

[deemery]

Take a code 100 rail joiner, a pair of pliers and dial calipers. Carefully squeeze/flatten 1/2 of the rail joiner, measuring with the dial calipers until the squeezed part is .030 thick. Then solder the code 70 rail to that flattened part of the rail joiner, and slip the open end of the rail joiner on your code 100 rail. Solder it in place, too.

dave