Golden Valley Route

The 3rd rail

Since I believe that the looks of the track is just as important as that of structures and rolling stock, I have tried different techniques to achieve good looking center studs/pucos.

Erbert-Signale

My first attempt with non-Märklin track, was with Peco code83 and 'punktkontakt band' from Erbert.
The band is made for Peco or Tilig code 100 with European tie spacing. Since I model a US-layout with code 83 on the manline with a different tie spacing, I had to make adjustments. Either one can push the ties a little, or one can drill through a few of them (as I've done with my CVMW tie strips).

Ebert punktband from above

Weathered CVMW ties with Erbert punktband

Erbert punktband spiked in place with handlaying spikes

Closeup of CVMW ties with an Erbert punktband

Staples

In an attempt to make my own punktband/ 'stud strip', I tried soldering 4mm staples to a copper wire. (But first I gave the sharp point a few secs with the Dremel to round 'em off).
I'm using 2 staples side by side to get the same width of the pukos as the Herei band:

Then I made a jig with drilled holes for the staples:

The spacing I choose, 11mm between the staples (it's 12,5mm wide) will be what I need for my US mainline.
I used flux + solder and luckily the plastic that keeps the staples together didn't melt

And a test run.

Piranha Type13 Nails

Here is an attempt using Piranha X71314 Nails. The nails are 14mm by 1mm. the head is 2mm wide. I pre-drilled holes through the cork and into the plywood. I alternate the spacing between the nails using 12mm and 19mm to fit my main line tie spacing.
The spikes have been connected with thin copper wire and soldered. To make sure the ties rest level on the cork roadbed, I carved a trench for the copper wire.