some tracklaying steps

[FJ and G]

Emplacing center wire will be later but here’s some

Start out by putting the heel of the frog rails in place, along with a thin piece of brass, glued w/Goo to the ties. Then place the closure rails and bend to form the frog wings. Spike down the end of the closure rails nearest the points first and then run a truck up and down both sides of the turnout to ensure proper clearance at the frog flangeway.

Then, once the truck (and try a rolling stock too), clears the frog easily, you are ready for solder. The solder actually doesn’t even need to be done because if your frog rails at the heel, toe and wings are properly set up, the trains will run thru it no problem. The solder is for décor.

You may need to grind away some of the closure rail at the wingtips and bend different ways until it is just right.

Now, just heat up solder and dribble it into the frog flangeway.

I filled it up too high so ended up bench grinding the entire frog down level. Then cut a flangeway with a hacksaw blade.

An easier way is to fill the frog w/JB Weld. I have pictures of that I’ll post later.

Then, cut and grind the ends of the point rails, placing spikes only at the points where they meet the closure rails.

The ties didn’t exactly line up for the points and so the spikes in my case are a bit further down, but still work OK.

Test out the points by running a truck and rolling stock thru. If clearance too tight (common problem), you may need to spread out the curved and straight stock rails and respike. No problemo.

Next, I soldered a copper turnout throw rod to the points, but you can use brass if it would make you feel better.

[underworld]

Great work Dave! You might consider taking a lot of pictures during your track laying (if you aren't already) and put together a little booklet or CD. I think a lot of people would be interested.

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[FJ and G]

Underworld,

An MTV music tracklaying video with "I've been workin on the railroad" in heavy metal sound that rocks so kids would think tracklaying is cool [:D]

[underworld]

[:p] I like that Dave! I'm working with a band right now that I think could do the recording for you. During the middle of the show they played Saturday night, I suggested they play Peter Cottontail....so they did......a bit heavy and edgy!!!

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]