ArtoBut as already mentioned, some manufacturers such as Peco have turnout templates available. Just make sure you print them properly (1:1). You'll probably have to use some kind of banner paper that's long enough for some of the longer turnouts or the template will be cut-off and you might not notice until you've made a few mistakes (like I did).
Yep, I ran into that. My printer defaulted to shrink to fit and I didnt notice it until my yard ladder took of 3/4 of the space the computer said it would. In N scale, you should not have a problem with PECO turnouts fitting 1:1 scale, but please do confirm this. I also would like to take a moment to put in a plug for PECO. They make an excellent reliable product in HO scale. I highly recommend them. I have not however used any of their N scale products to this date (I plan to eventually build a small N scale switching layout).
When I designed my layout (mid 80's) I used a track plan that I liked from 101 Track Plans. I translated it into AutoCAD where I stretched it out so I could get enough length for grades to have over/under loops instead of crossover tracks and put in a two-track mainline instead of single as in the original plan.
I then plotted/printed the layout in 4'x6' sections on a large format pen plotter I had at the time. It was simply a matter of following the plotted drawings pinned to the plywood/homosote sub-roadbed with a jig saw and laying down the roadbed on the plotted drawing(s). Of course back then there weren't any templates for turnouts or anything so I had to make my own.
But as already mentioned, some manufacturers such as Peco have turnout templates available. Just make sure you print them properly (1:1). You'll probably have to use some kind of banner paper that's long enough for some of the longer turnouts or the template will be cut-off and you might not notice until you've made a few mistakes (like I did).
Thanks for the help everyone!
I don't know if I am ready to build my own turnouts but I love the idea of working up to that level.
It's too easy to get carried away with looking at what all of you have done. And I know it didn't come overnight. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I hope to share what I have learned from this to the next "newbie". That is the beauty of hobbies. Sharing!
As Kasskaboose mentioned, Fast Tracks has templates on their website. You can build your own turnouts cheaper than buying commercially produced turnouts (you don't have to buy the fancy jigs if you are only making a few turnouts - I made my own jigs and built over 50 turnouts). Once you acquire the skills to build standard turnouts, you will quickly realize that you can also build any kind of custom size/radius turnout and/or crossing you need using the same techniques.
Hornblower
Any Rail will produce 1.1 templates. I am planning to do this on the new SIW to simplify track cutting.
Joe Staten Island West
Any Rail will produce 1.1 templates. I am planning to do this on the new SIW to simplify track cutting m
GoosetownWhy don't they just offer 100% scale printout templates of turnouts, radius curves, and such instead of printing out 1:1 layouts and wasting ink and paper?
Xtrackcad will print 1:1, make your plan up including placing structures , test it with running train (s) and print when your ready.
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
dehusmanI would buy one one of each size switch. Scan it. Then reverse the image for the other hand switch. If necessary resize it. Save it as a pdf (so it doesn't change size), then print as manay as I need.
I'll second that. I planned my layout in XTrackCAD and printed it out with a grid. Then built my benchwork (to be a 2-level cookie cutter type) and drew a 6" grid to locate the key turnouts starting points. I used real and photocopy template turnouts to locate them first. Then worked out from there soon-to-be flextrack centers. I used some variable radius curves to get my smallish layout to work. I found it handy to make brown paper curve templates, making 22-36" sections to draw the curves. Also found the typical yardstick trammel handy (drill a hole at 1", draw curves with a clipped pencil.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Keep in mind that templates and Xeroxs of turnouts can still be misleading because of tiny compromises you make when placing them around the benchwork. Indeed so can curve radius templates and tangent track templates which I made and do use.
Somehow, rarely does the actual laid track match the "predictive" marks made on the plywood!
Dave Nelson
I would buy one one of each size switch. Scan it. Then reverse the image for the other hand switch. If necessary resize it. Save it as a pdf (so it doesn't change size), then print as manay as I need.
Or
I would buy a switch in each hand of the sizes I want, photocopy it anduse that as a template.
Buying the switches isn't any more expensive since you will be using at least one of the sizes you planned on.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I've made my own templates from cardstock. I trace the turnout and then cut it out. Pretty simple, although you need to buy one to trace.
And a right-hand turnout template turns into a left by flipping it over.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Note that every manufacturer uses different dimensions for their turnouts, even those of nominally the same frog number. [Edit: Actually, this can also true between different line from the same manufacturer. For example Atlas N scale Code 55 turnouts have very different dimensions compared to Atlas Code 80.]
If you use the FastTracks templates for your plans (for example), but different pre-fab turnouts for actually building, what you have planned in complex areas may not fit.
It’s simplest to use the same turnouts for templates as you plan to build with.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
kasskaboose Finding and using HO track templates is a challenge. This site is the closest I found to offering what you need: http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-N-Scale-Printable-Track-Templates-s/95.htm They have other scales but not all the configurations for crossings. While a start, going from a blueprint to an actual layout is a challenge. I found that using sharpies helps to draw out the track--the sharpie line represents the middle of the track. That line is how I lay down the cork sub-roadbed. Of course I make adjustments on the foam since I change my mind. Give this a try since it's worked for me.
Finding and using HO track templates is a challenge. This site is the closest I found to offering what you need: http://www.handlaidtrack.com/Fast-Tracks-N-Scale-Printable-Track-Templates-s/95.htm
They have other scales but not all the configurations for crossings. While a start, going from a blueprint to an actual layout is a challenge. I found that using sharpies helps to draw out the track--the sharpie line represents the middle of the track. That line is how I lay down the cork sub-roadbed. Of course I make adjustments on the foam since I change my mind. Give this a try since it's worked for me.
Thanks. I'll see what I can do with them.
Now that you guys mention it, I guess I could just stick a bunch of pieces on a layout and print them in what ever code track I wanted.
Like i said, maybe a foolish question. I guess now that you pointed it out I was just lazy.... I'll make up for it later! :-)
If you can accurately print out a whole layout at 1:1, you should be able to make your own templets and print them.
Some manufactures, Peco for instance, have templates for their switches on-line.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Instead of designing the whole track plan, why not just print your individual pieces and photocopy as required.
Scott
Still reading, learining, and observing for my N Scale plans but I have one question.
Atlas, SCARM (which I can't see any difference in) offer free planning software to help us build, dream, etc.
Why don't they just offer 100% scale printout templates of turnouts, radius curves, and such instead of printing out 1:1 layouts and wasting ink and paper?
We all make thousands of changes, it would be nice to have some templates laying around to see what we can come up with. I would think it would benifit the manufactures. (maybe not? I wouldn't mind hearing from them).