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Aristo Stainless American Ties 1" Track Style Expanding Rail Bed

Split Jaw Products Aristo Stainless Steel (European) 1
Price: $35.89
Part Number: SJ 910831
Manufacturer: Split Jaw Products
Manufacturer Part No: SJ910831
We offer a large selection of tools and connectors to keep your garden railroad in top shape, including the Aristo Stainless Steel (European) 1" Track Style Expanding Rail Bed, from Split Jaw Products.
These Expanding Rail Beds match your existing rails and ties. They are built of durable gray plastic, are paintable, and are available in models that will absorb 3/8", 5/8", or 1" of rail expansion.

They are listed according to which track manufacturer, rail material, and tie style you are using, and the amount of rail expansion they can absorb. For example, if you were using Brass Aristocraft track with American-style ties, and you needed to absorb 5/8" of rail expansion, you would want the Aristo Brass (American) 5/8" Expansion Track.

You want your Expanding Rail Bed to be able to absorb all the change in length from the coldest to the hottest part of the day.

Perform the following to determine the exact amount of expansion of your rail:

Disconnect and offset your track in the middle of a straight run, then measure the change (distance moved) over a 24 hour period. The goal is to find out how much movement there is between the coldest and hottest part of the day.

Note: Track in direct sunlight will expand more than if it was in the shade. During the summer, track in direct sunlight can reach 160 deg. F.

You may also use the following chart to predict rail expansion:

 
Theoretical rail length change per 50 deg. F change in temperature
Rail Material /
Length of run
40' 60' 80' 100' 120' 140' 160' 180' 200'
Aluminum 3/8" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 1" 1 1/8" 1 1/4" 1 1/2" 1 5/8"
Brass 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 5/8" 7/8" 1" 1 1/8" 1 1/4" 1 3/8"
Nickel Silver 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1" 1 1/8"
Stainless Steel 1/8" 1/4" 3/8" 3/8" 1/2" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 3/4"

Chart by http://www.railclamp.com/expansionHelp.html
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