Handlaid track

[sd80mac]

Here's a sample of the track I'll be using on an HOn3 small layout (1'x3' or 4'). The rail is code 55. The ties are laser-cut with holes for Proto:87 150% spikes and reference lines to gauge rail. I'm also working on turnouts and more ties for code 40!

Donnell

[sd80mac]

Here's a couple close-ups:

[Chris333]

Those spikes are nuts, but look great.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Wha?  No tie plates?

[tom mann]

Nice work...where did you get the ties with holes and guidelines?

[Ian MacMillan]

Looks pretty good! I am also using the Proto:87 spikes. Using the 100% ones with tie plates. However after doing a 3' test section of track I may eliminate the tie plates as they tend to disappear after weathering.

[tom mann]

disappear after weathering.

or even exhaling while installing...

[Ian MacMillan]

disappear after weathering.

or even exhaling while installing...

Yuppers! Thats why I keep em on the sheet!

[sd80mac]

I thought about it, and even installed a few on this test section. It really takes great patience to put all of the individual parts in! I still may use them...

However, the spikes shown here are the 150% scale spikes, not the exact scale ones. Obviously they're too big for the tieplates.  : ;D

Donnell

Wha?  No tie plates?

[sd80mac]

I drew the artwork for the ties and had them cut in both 1/32" and 1/16" plywood to see which I like better. The 1/32" material is shown. As I mentioned earlier, I'm drawing turnouts and more ties. Turnouts will be #6s and #7s, maybe #8s, and the ties will have increased tie spacing. Maybe I'll add crooked ties as well!

Donnell

Nice work...where did you get the ties with holes and guidelines?

[tom mann]

Donnell,

I just think that is the most brilliant idea I've heard all year.

[sd80mac]

I was really tempted to purchase a Fast Tracks fixture and stil may as a friend of mine wants #6 turnouts. I just kept thinking, "There has to be a cheaper way." I still will buy the point/frog filling fixture as it is an invaluable tool, and I done have the ability yet to produce my own. (I do have a miling machine, but it is very young. No good accessories yet!)

Micro Engineering spikes, even their smallest on is way bigger than the largest spike available from Proto 87 Stores, plus they just look so good when installed. I think I will try a sample ties strip with holes cut for the smaller exact scale spikes and tie plates. I can't wait to get the turnout ties cut!

Donnell

Donnell,

I just think that is the most brilliant idea I've heard all year.

[Ian MacMillan]

I love the Fast Tracks fixtures.

I have the frog and point tool
#6
#8
#10
Mainline Tie Rack
Branchline Tie Rack

[Chris333]

I can build a turnout without a Fasttracks jig, but I like the jigs too and own one. They are worth the money.

[Mark5]

I was really tempted to purchase a Fast Tracks fixture and stil may as a friend of mine wants #6 turnouts. I just kept thinking, "There has to be a cheaper way." I still will buy the point/frog filling fixture as it is an invaluable tool, and I done have the ability yet to produce my own. (I do have a miling machine, but it is very young. No good accessories yet!)

Nice work! None of the options available today were available when I was handlaying, so frogs and points had to be made from rail. I made my own primitive jigs. But when a handy tool comes along it makes sense to use it if you plan to hand lay in quantity.