Our layout is primarily constructed with handlaid/hand spiked track. We use Campbell Scale Models 796 profile ties, and full size ties, as well as the 798 turnout ties. We also use Micro Eningeering rail.

We use the Kadee Spiker for much of the spiking effort. The goal is to have every tie spiked. We use needlenose pliers and individual Kadee spikes for the areas in which the Spiker cannot reach (such as tight areas around frogs in turnouts.

All of our turnouts are laid in-place, with no special jigs or templates being uses. Since we do not build them on the bench and transfer them to the layout, each turnout is unique and created just for the location in which it was installed.

For the transition between rails of different height, (Going from Code 83 to Code 70 for example), we file the head and web of the rail of the larger rail down to its foot (about 1" worth of length), and then on the smaller rail we remove just the foot and keep the web and head of the rail for aboout the same length, and then slip mate them together. This creates a smooth transition.

For long lengths of yard track we do use Micro Engineering flex Track, however our all our turnouts are still hand laid. To make the transition from hand laid profile ties to full size ties that are used in the flex track, we lay down a Cambell Full size ties and sand down to make a smooth transfer.