Ronstan Track & Car Batten Systems — Installation & Maintenance

Before You Start

• This sheet covers Series 19, 22, 26 & 30 track batten car systems with track mounting slugs.
• Track mounting slugs are not available for Series 14 and 42 tracks: these are screwed directly to the mast.
• Installing with the mast level (horizontal) is much easier. With the mast upright it can take up to 4 times as long and generally needs 3 people.
• Fit a track joiner between track sections for smooth car transition at the joints; joiners are available for each track size.
• Use a drop of Screw Lock on all screws.

Installing with the Mast Level (Horizontal)

1. Enlarge the luff groove directly above the gooseneck (appropriate drill bit or similar), just enough to push the track mounting slugs into the groove.
2. Slide enough slugs for the upper track length up to the top of the mast.
3. Fasten the top end stop with a screw and a track mounting slug.
4. Slide the remaining slugs to each track mounting hole and fasten them through the track with screws.
5. Continue with the next track length, placing a track joiner between lengths and working from the top down.
6. Work out the stack height: add up the lengths of the batten, intermediate and headboard cars.
7. Set a gate track above the stack height for installing or removing the cars. It must be long enough to remove the longest car; gate tracks are available for each series.
8. Secure the gate with one track joiner only, so it comes out easily. Cut the track length above the gate to fit.
9. Drill and thread the track and secure the bottom end stop with screws – not closer than 10mm (3/8") to the gooseneck; the gap allows for mast bend.
10. Remove the gate track, stack the cars on the track in the correct order and replace the gate track.

Installing with the Mast Upright (Vertical)

1. Enlarge the luff groove directly above the gooseneck, just enough to push the slugs in.
2. Slide the slugs for the upper track length and the top end stop up the mast; secure the track loosely with a screw and slug in the bottom hole.
3. Work up the track, sliding slugs up behind it and securing them loosely with screws.
4. Attach the top slug loosely with a temporary long screw, and tie the halyard to it.
5. Place a track joiner in the lower end of the track length and hoist the track into position; fit the top end stop and tighten all screws. The joiner may need cutting to clear the end mounting hole and slug.
6. You will have to go aloft to tighten the screws permanently and place the top end stop.
7. Repeat for the following track lengths up to the specially cut length above the gate (stack height and gate as in the horizontal method). Secure the gate with one track joiner only.
8. Fit the bottom end stop not closer than 10mm (3/8") to the gooseneck, then remove the gate track, stack the cars in order and replace the gate.

Maintaining the Batten Cars

• Flush the cars now and then with fresh or soapy water to remove salt deposits between the balls and the car body.
• Cleaning can be done in-situ: spray with a hose or douse with a bucket, then use a soft brush.
• Do not use oil, WD-40 or other lubricants on the cars.