Is there a way to make pennies stick to the track when flattening them?

Question

As kids we used to put a bit of tar under the penny so it wouldn't fly off the rails so quick and get hit by more wheels. Is there another way to make the pennies stay on for the whole train?
Maybe a website that shows this?

Answer 1

No. There isn't a way to make 'em stay. I used to do the same thing as a kid too. Now I'm an engineer and run over all those pennies people put down. Anyway, when I was a kid, I soon learned that the coins stay in place a lot longer under a slow moving train. One that has just started moving - up to about 10 mph. Faster than that, and they fall off. Or, very fast and they fly off and you never find them.

Answer 2

I too used the tar that oozed out of the ties. It can also work if you use heavy grease or vaseline. Nothing works if the trains are going fast, faster than 5-10 mph.


Kent in SD

Answer 3

If it's very very cold outside (0 or colder) you could always lick the rail, and then place the penny on the wet place where it will promptly freeze down.
or. . . . . . . you could hold it with your hand?

(legal disclaimer: DONT do either of these, should be left to trained professionals.)

Answer 4

the best thing is for you to stand there and hold the pennies on the track. and if you drop it you are right there to see where it went.

Answer 5

I'd say the only way is probably to use some sort of metal glue but you won't be able to get it off.

Answer 6

hey ya know it won't be there long if very many wheels run over it .. it gets so hot it sticks to the wheel and it's gone babe!

Answer 7

yes hold on to the penny

Answer 8

Actually if you use a couple layers of Tape, It will work. (but it doesn't come off easily though!!)

Answer 9

Nope.

Answer 10

The handyman's all-purpose tool - -DUCT TAPE.