Hello,
Can anybody help me understand the HO track parts available from Proto87 stores and Central Valley ? I am looking at the plastic bases for plain(flexi)track and plastic bases for switches. I understand the switch bases sold by Proto87 are made by Central Valley.
In terms of the switch kits available from the two sources does this sum them up:-
Proto87 stores - cast frog unit, tapered switch rails, other lengths of rail for the rest of the switch.
Central Valley - cast frog unit, tapered switch rails, other rails not included,switch stand and maybe other detailing parts to dress up the switch blades and frog units.
I quite fancy just buying the switch bases and filing/soldering up the rail ( I will probably be using code83 ) for the frogs and switch blades in which case buying the bases from Central valley along with length of plain track bases makes more sense.
As I am in the UK it would help to be able to do just one order and buy in bulk rather than just buy one to try.
I like the way that the switch kits/bases can be curved to make a sweeping track layout. Does anybody have any issues with using the above parts ?
Thanks in advance.
Rob
Go with Fast Tracks.
A friend gave me a bunch of Central Valley tie strip, and I used it on part of the partial upper level of my layout. I like it a lot, and secured code 83 rail to the ties (after using soldered-on rail joiners to create 12' or 15' lengths of rail) using gelled contact cement. The tie detail is excellent and the one foot lengths can be cemented together using solvent-type cement - I used 20' or 25' lengths, laying it on centre lines much like as is done with flex track. I did build one of the Central Valley turnouts, too, although I much prefer ready-to-use ones from Atlas, Peco, Shinohara, or Micro Engineering.If I were to build another layout, I'd definitely use the CV tie strips, and perhaps code 70 rail, too.
As for Fast tracks, the concept is good, but for me, it's the same issue that I've always had with hand-laid track: track spikes every third or fourth tie don't look all that prototypical to my eyes. If I were building a layout with 40 or 50 turnouts, there'd lots of time to be wasted trying to make them look properly detailed, regardless of how well they might work.
Wayne