DeadheadGreg wrote:but do you really think that using code 55 rail in the code 70/83/100 point tool would be a problem? I mean, if you can use code 70 in something made to handle code 100... thats a pretty big difference in size. you dont think it would be possible to hold the code 55 in place with some extra effort?
but do you really think that using code 55 rail in the code 70/83/100 point tool would be a problem? I mean, if you can use code 70 in something made to handle code 100... thats a pretty big difference in size. you dont think it would be possible to hold the code 55 in place with some extra effort?
I'm not going to say you can't use code 55 in a a larger code point tool because it will fit. Just very loosely. You would have to use something to shim it in place so when you clamp the tool together it would keep the rail from sliding around. If you do go that route then just take a lot of extra care to make sure the rail fits up well in the jig. The solder is going to help fill any slight gaps or mismatches.
What you probably don't want to do is try to use code 55 rail in the aluminum jig designed for larger code rail. There would be too much slop and potential to get the track out of gauge.
As you build your turnout go slowly and check the gauge often with a 3 point gauge and a set of trucks.
-G-
you said it!!
i'm kinda *** though, because this all came about because of the following auction on ebay that I got outbid at the last minute on:
Fast Tracks #5 aluminum jig, #5 pointform tool, 33 pieces of unweathered code 70 rail, 12 pieces of weathered code 70 rail, Fast Tracks rail bender, bag of PCB ties, bag of wooden turnout ties, couple already built turnouts, some quick-sticks tie strips, code 70 track guage, and some small solder.
you don't even want to know what it went for....... $122.49 plus $18.08 for shipping.
*slams head onto desk*
lol
DeadheadGreg wrote:thanks for all the info guys. I just have one last question: Would it be impossible to use code 55 rail with a pointform tool that is listed as being for code 70, 83, and 100? Or would I be able to use code 70 with one thats listed for code 40 and 55? i use code 55 and code 70 only
thanks for all the info guys. I just have one last question: Would it be impossible to use code 55 rail with a pointform tool that is listed as being for code 70, 83, and 100? Or would I be able to use code 70 with one thats listed for code 40 and 55?
i use code 55 and code 70 only
Anything larger than code 55 won't fit in the code 55 tool. You can use code 40 in a code 55 tool, However.
Code 55 in a larger tool (ie. one for code 70, 83 or 100) would be too "sloppy" and move around when you try to file the rail.
Your best bet is to use the correct tool to its matched rail.
probably not what you want to hear....
http://www.handlaidtrack.com/index.php
This is probably the tool I am looking for......where can you purchase them?
Thanks,
Sam
I haven't tried it but if you really have #4, 5, and 6 turnouts to do and want to use one point filing tool, I'd get the #6 point filing tool.
The points will have a longer than necessary taper on the #5 and #4 turnouts, but that won't hurt their function, it will just make the points a little thinner than necessary on the business end on those turnouts.
The problem with trying to get #5 points work on a #6 turnout is they will be too blunt and need some extra filing, or you will have to file the base of the stock rails for a longer distance. That's not the end of the world, but with a #6 point filing tool, the points will just work without any adjustment on #4, #5 and #6 turnouts.
I wouldn't go more than two sizes sharper turnouts -- but using a #6 point on a #8 turnout probably will involve a lot of hand filing outside the jig.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
Tim Warris would be the one to provide a definitive answer, but I would say yes, absolutely. Just expect to have to do some filing and shaping to get the angle right. Maybe almost none, but surely some.
I used a straight #8 frog rail jig to fashion a true handlaid curved #9-10 (?) that I built in place on the main when nothing else I could buy would do. I am happy to report that it works fine. I just made sure I put a very slight curvature into both frog rails so that they conformed to a curved geometry. For a one-off, I am pleased. I just hope that if I have to do it again within the next four years I can improve on it somewhat because it is by no means perfect.
-Crandell
Hey everyone, I'm considering buying the point filing tool to be able to build continuous point/closure rails. What I'm wondering, though, is if I would be able to buy the #5 point tool and use it to make points for #4 and #6 turnouts.
Does it really matter? I mean, i know that Central valley basically has only two sizes of points for all of their turnouts, so I figured I would be able to buy just the #5 tool because I'm using #4, 5 and 6 turnouts basically.
Would it even be able to use a #5 tool for turnouts up to #8? Does anyone have experience with this? I just really can't justify buying multiple point tools when I need no more than 5 turnouts of each size...