Flexible Track Tie Strip Parts by Robert L Miller Laboratory

Manufacturer:

Robert L Miller Laboratory

Product Type:

flexible track tie strip

Introduced:

1952

Gauge:

Rail Height:

code 100 | 126

Length:

120"

Ties:

plastic

Notes:

This was an early version of flextrack. The carton contained 20 pieces of 6-inch tie strips, making for a total of 120" or 10' of track. The modeler inserted code 126 or code 100 rail into the strips, and then placed them on the layout as desired.

Important note: This flextrack system is gauged to the old NASG/NMRA gauge of 4'8", not the current standard of 4'8-1/2". This will work fine for straight and/or gently curving track, but may be too tight in other uses for modern equipment.

Code 100 rail may be a bit too loose, but painting the rail sections before inserting them into the strips eliminates the "slop".

Most of Dick Karnes' Miller track is buried in ballast and scenery, but he has a portion of hidden track that still shows some of the Miller track in the foreground. The system uses a nylon tie strip, into which Dick slid code 100 rail into the strip's tie plates. It comes with molded-on spikes. The nylon strip remains flexible. It has webbing connecting each tie to hold the whole thing together, but the webbing is at the bottom of the ties, so once the modeler applies ballast, it is no longer visible.