I'm making a suggestion that when you come out with the twist ties for N scale that you make the tie lengths 9 foot. You wondering why and here's the answer for that.
If everyone was using code 40 rail, I would agree that 8' 6 " ties would be fine. But put code 55 rail on the same ties, and the proportions are all off. Another reason the ties would match the Micro engineering code 55 flex track. What I mean by proportions is the rail and tie lengths would appear to retain their symetry in looks rather than looking like a puppy with overgrown feet. (if you get my meaning) There are prototype railroads using large rail for heavy mainline use, and when they do often they use the 9 foot ties.
It wouldn't hamper those guys (which are fewer than those using code 55) to trim off a couple of inches here and there to get it to match Atlas's code 55 flex track.
I have already modifyed your tie jigs to accommadate the 9 foot tie length (a few strokes with a file was enough to get it done. But on the twist ties adding the extra length is impossible.
Hope you consider this for the code 55 rail users, I'm sure there's going to be some chat about this, those for the 8.6 vice the 9 foot.
Lastly there is another reason, anyone wanting to use the twist ties also might want to incorporate the P87 groups N scale tie plates, The 9 foot tie lengths would look better with those too. They haven't made N scale code 55 tie plates yet but I imagine they will and they should be slightly bigger than the code 40 counterparts.
Rob
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