Still here

Howdy all!!!

  I am still here.. Just been doing little here, a little work there. I have been building the code 55 turnouts that are going to replace the code 80 ones that are currently in the industrial area.

  Instead of using the Fast tracks quick sticks. I thought about a way to make a tie jig. After remembering a thread I read a while ago. The original poster made a comment about using flex track to make a tie jig. So I used his idea, but I used sectional track.

After checking everything to see if it would fit, I applied the Pliobond to bottom of the rails and then set the turnout on the ties. What you don't see it the weights that set on the rails to make sure the glue made good contact and set properly. I let the assembly sit overnight.

Here is a #6 turnout that was constructed in a fast track assembly fixture placed on the tie fixture. The ties I used are Micro Engineering Turnout Ties.

 Now getting the turnout out of the fixture was a little tricky. I had to remove one the pieces of track that I used for the fixture. Seems the ties were caught under the foot of the rail. I am thinking that if I remove the rails and just use the ties as the fixture,, the completed turnout will come out much easier.

I trimmed the ties to proper length by using a Atlas turnout as a visual reference. I know the throw bar looks huge, well it is because I used  Fast Tracks 1/32" HOn3 PC ties. The N scale ones would not allow for a hole to be drilled for the wire that numerous switch machines use. I also wanted something sturdy and not flimsy. Once painted I don't think it will be that noticeable.

 

Well there ya have it, I need to make some more so I can have plenty when I begin the removing the code 80. Now I just need to make the decision to either stay with the industrial section I have now, or come up with a different plan. Anybody have any ideas? The is roughly 14' x 20" to work with.

The area available is from the piece of Homasote by the helix to the wall in back by the curve. The piece of plywood you see in foreground is no longer there. But,,, I could put it back. Who knows.

So till next time, 

Adios,Greg