I have a Fast Tracks turnout set up to build #6 turnouts. I have all the instructions.
There was an article in MR on building these that had some good ideas.
Does anyone remember what issue they were in?
Harold
Don't know the issue, but YouTube has their how tos there. They are good references for scratch building or using their jigs.
I believe you are looking for the April 2015 article. "7 tips for scratch building turnouts" or something along those lines.
Tips for using Fast tracks tools. (And a couple others.)
"That other magazine" had one as well, a few years back.....
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Thanks guys
As a point of interest, this system is great. This will be my forth turnout. A little expensive but great.
Thanks again
I just built a #4 from scratch with only a paper template. If I could afford the jig, or had lots and lots of turnouts to build, I'd buy one of these jigs! Jealous!
Harold. I used Fast Tracks tools to make all turnouts on my current layout. First turnout was a dud and took 3h. In the end I was making turnouts in 45 minutes and each was as reliable as the next. All turnouts remain very reliable now 4y later.
The MR article was very good. I have these additional tips to supplement. Take as you see fit.
1. When bending rail for divergent route, make sure the rail fits exactly into the form. That is, don't rely on soldered connection to ties to hold the rail shape. I would work the curve or bend by hand and lay it down beside the form. If the shape was exact and the rail would drop into the slot, it was good.
2. Drill holes in the throw rod for turnout controls before installation in the form.
3. Use a small piece of PCB tie with the copper sanded off each side as a thickness guage for holding the open point in place when soldering it the to the throw bar tie. The piece I use has been sanded down to match the points clearance spec on the NMRA guage.
Have fun. Be safe.Dwayne A
The best part of learning to hand build turnouts is discovering you now have the skill to build any complicated piece of trackwork with just a little planning and an accurately drawn paper template.
I purchased only PC ties and a #6 Frog and Point Rail filing jig from Fast Tracks. I made my own assembly jig from a piece of 1/2" plywood and built over 50 #6 left and right turnouts for my layout. When I discovered the need for a few "special" turnouts, I just drew up a paper template and built whatever was needed.
The only extra step I would recommend is drilling a 0.020" hole through the inside web of the point rails and into the throw bar PC tie. I insert a length of 0.020" brass wire into this hole prior to soldering the point rail to the PC tie. This step adds a lot of strength to these often stressed joints and keeps them from failing (which of course only seems to happen at the beginning of an operating session).
Hornblower