[Mit]

I have some questions about using hand laid track (customs). I am thinking of making custom curved turnouts, i have found a supplier, however my question is... Is this something I should try, or should i get some straight tracking first and do some mock ups first? Since I have never attempting to lay ties and rail separately before, how difficult is this and is ther any special tools or tricks that may help in doing this? What the game plan is using some custom (either #6 or #8 code 83 18 and 24 inch) curved turn outs for where i would like to place a factory on the back edge of my layout. The use of standard turnouts for my space is limiting my design severly and was hopeing this isn't too difficult. Due to cost factors, i don't want to waste my money if this something i may end up scraping if I it too much effort. Just not knowing how it's done is the primary preventor of this. So again, Do i require special tools? Special hold down nails? The kits I am considering buying state they come with with templates, rails and ties for 5 complete turnouts but at $210.95 for the kit (even with cement, solder and point form tool) this seems a bit costly to mess up. Any tips?

 

[shaygetz]

Handlaying rail is supposed to be a cost cutting measure, as well as an enjoyable pass time for some and a way to custom fit areas on your layout as you pointed out. But, at $40+ apiece, those hardy fill the bill in any of the aforementioned areas.

 

[Mit]

Thanks Shay, do u know of any resources that sell the curved turnouts? I thought these were a tad expensive, but didn't what the tools costs and having the templates with them, since they are reusable, wasn't sure.

 

[tankist]

take a look at central valley products

 

[shaygetz]

The key to hand laying good track and turnouts is an NMRA HO scale standards gauge, 2 three point track gauges, a good small flat file, a razor saw and a good 40 watt pencil point soldering iron. That and a bit of patience will get you through it. All the folks I ever knew who do it say it takes about 2 hours to do your first turnout, you only get faster from there.

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/handlaid.htm

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/meyertrk.htm

Here's one of my associates, he's laid about 1300 feet of C100 nickle silver track and about 130 turnouts...

 

[stationmaster]

Curved turnouts are sold by Walthers and manufactured by the likes of Peco, Shinohara and Atlas. Walthers brand is made by Shinohara. You get the Shinohara quality at a lesser price(my preference).

Other i-net stores also sell the same products.

Bob

 

[tankist]

You get the Shinohara quality at a lesser price(my preference).

good turnout but no longer available in code100

 

[stationmaster]

Available, just not from Walthers, and much harder to find...... I bought a few on eBay not long ago. Various sizes and hands... New and I paid less when they were marketed. Good deal even if I don't need them right now.

Bob

 

[Mit]

Walthers uh? That's my number one supplier and i haven't run across them yet. Have to take another look see! I like them cause they are in wisconsin and i get my stuff in a few days here in michigan, and my train store in traverse city also buys from them, so i get the same stuff . My track is mostly code 83, but code will work too, if i derail a bit there is always the magnifiing goggles and the dremel to fix that! lol. And ty shay for link to NMRA site, that is exactly the info i was hoping i could find! I knew you guys had the answers as usual!

 

[shaygetz]

You're welcome...BTW, buying pre-assembled turnouts of any kind generally defeats the purpose of laying one's own turnouts, namely, you're still using a fixed frog and shape made for a specific size and location.