Thurber Mingus & Southern Railroad
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The Thurber Mingus & Southern Railroad is a 7-1/2 inch gauge back yard railroad owned and operated by Daris & Brenda Nevil. It is informally referred to as "The COVID Line", as it was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Track
Construction
- West Coast rail using IBLS Track Standard
- Texas Standard Tie Spacing
- Sagitta Rule for measuring curves
- Charles Field Track Panel Jig
- Plastic ties from Enterprise Plastics Inc
- Accu-tie Rail Bender
Parts List
- Rail joiner screws
- Star Pan Head MS 304 SS #10-32 x 3/4
- Part Number TXM00026
- https://AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Drive tool: T25 (CR-V T25)
- Notes: These were recommended by Ken Smith. They have worked very well. The Star tool provides positive grip and does not strip out like Phillips. I drive these with a DeWalt drill with the torque setting on 3 or 4.
- Switch throw spring
- Stock Code: LC 038E 18 M (CAD drawings available here)
- Outside Diameter (inch): 0.36
- Hole Diameter (inch): 0.375
- Rod Diameter (inch): 0.271 (Fits over 1/4 inch threaded rod)
- Free Length (inch): 2.5
- Rate (lb/inch): 5.8
- Solid Height (inch): 0.714
- Wire Diameter (inch): 0.038
- Material: Music Wire
- Load at Solid Height(lb): 10.3
- Notes: These were recommended by Ken Smith. They hold the blades firmly to the rail, but allow trains to trail through the turnout without derailing.