Custom Curved Turnout

[Ian MacMillan]

i am seriously considering building up a small HO switching layout with all handlaid track to P:87 standards once the N scale track is in place.  i need to scratch the HO itch i'm having, and a simple 2x8 layout over some books on a shelf would be a nice way to work that itch.  Sargent couplers, fine scale wheelsets and Exactrail cars - it's doable.

Thats pretty much what I am doing as well. I am building a 2x16 proto87 layout that has some rural NH switching and scenery. Pretty much for back and forth and photography.

[wazzou]

Chris, that's just what you need is another layout. ;D

[davefoxx]

i am seriously considering building up a small HO switching layout with all handlaid track to P:87 standards once the N scale track is in place. (Emphasis added.)

So, in other words, the HO layout will never be built.  Booyah!  ;D

[asciibaron]

So, in other words, the HO layout will never be built.  Booyah!  ;D

when is hat wedding i'm going to crash?

[wm3798]

I'm sittin' at the table with Steve.  We'll be really loud.  I'm already practicing sticking my shirt tail out through my fly.  I can't wait!

Lee

[davefoxx]

Guess you'll be sitting alone, Lee.  We're planning on having a benchwork-building session at the wedding reception.  That'll be sure to keep Steve away.  ;D

DFF

[Bob Bufkin]

I was gonna suggest you take a box of kittens with you.  Instead of athrowing rice or bird feed you throw him kittens!

[Chris333]

So I got her done:

[Dave V]

i am seriously considering building up a small HO switching layout

Somehow I'm doubting that...

[davefoxx]

Absolutely beautiful and stunning craftsmanship, Chris.  I couldn't have built that turnout in a few years, let alone a few days.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

DFF

[ednadolski]

So I got her done:

That's some pretty impressive work, Chris!   

Dave, of course you must realize that this now obligates you to try some hand-laid track now.  If not a turnout then at least one of those stub sidings, maybe even in code 40 rail   ;D

Just teasing about the obligation part, of course, tho I'd encourage you to at least consider trying a stub siding.  I think you'll discover an enjoyable part of the hobby, and it's not hard or time-intensive.  Check these out for some good info:

http://www.fourthray.com/Peter/Articles/Trackwork/Code40.htm
http://www.fourthray.com/Peter/Articles/Trackwork/TurnoutsScratchbuild.htm

Ed

[davefoxx]

Dave, of course you must realize that this now obligates you to try some hand-laid track now.  If not a turnout then at least one of those stub sidings, maybe even in code 40 rail   ;D

Ed,

Code 40 stub sidings, huh?   That's tempting and certainly without much risk of screwing something up beyond repair since it's only a stub-ended siding.  I might take you up on that challenge, because I love the look of Code 40 track.

Dave

[Andrew Hutchinson]

Chris,

When you built the turnout did you make the frog separately or just cut the gaps afterwards? I'm Curious about the method due to the extreme curvature involved. As others have already mentioned you definitely need a pat on the back for your generosity in lending such expertise.

cheers,

Andrew Hutchinson

[ednadolski]

I love the look of Code 40 track.

Me too.  To me, nothing looks as good as real wood ties -- I just can't paint plastic to look that good.

Really it's impossible to screw up beyond repair, because no matter what happens you can always scrape off a failed attempt and start over. Even the materials cost is nominal, so it's virtually no risk. If you like, you can first make a small (say 6" to 12") test section on a piece of scrap wood. 

A stub siding doesn't have to be as neat or "perfect" as a main line, and placing the ties by eye can give a nice 'random' look that is hard to get with flextrack.  So it's an unbeatable choice for a first effort.

Did you check out the Peter V. web page?  I like the way he worked in the tall weeds, before laying the ballast -- that too is harder with flextrack.  He uses a 5-minute epoxy to glue the C40 rail into place, but lots of folks also use Pliobond, or solder the rail to PC ties. The choice is really up to you.

Here is a bit of sample track I made a while ago.  This actually uses P:87 spikes to hold the rail, but the main thing is the look of the C40 rail and wood ties.  This is unweathered, but of course you can weather it however you like. 

[Chris333]

The turnout was all solid lengths of rail. The FT instructions suggest to use a Zona saw to cut those gaps. I have a Zona saw, but I cut the gaps with a "ultra thin" cut off disc used by dentists. It is quicker for me that way.

I know track work isn't for every one, but it wasn't for me either till I tried it (that was back in HO days  :  ) 

This turnout was tested and I think it will work, but I didn't know that before I built it.