Comments on: Plan finalized and printed http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/ A Freelance N-Scale Model Railroad Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:32:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Avel http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-986 Avel Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:53:17 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-986 You could just try handlaying them without the jigs. I admit I've only constructed four in my lifetime, but they all functioned smoother than any Atlas turnout. Takes only 45 minutes, or less, to complete one. I highly recommend using a Dremel though for filing the point rails, and the stock rails for the point rails to nest into. Seems obvious, but every video I see is of some guy using a hand file to complete that step. No, I didn't kink anything, and I was using code 40. I myself am using the Atlas' now, I don't have any spare time. You could just try handlaying them without the jigs. I admit I’ve only constructed four in my lifetime, but they all functioned smoother than any Atlas turnout. Takes only 45 minutes, or less, to complete one. I highly recommend using a Dremel though for filing the point rails, and the stock rails for the point rails to nest into. Seems obvious, but every video I see is of some guy using a hand file to complete that step. No, I didn’t kink anything, and I was using code 40.
I myself am using the Atlas’ now, I don’t have any spare time.

]]> By: Shaun http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-985 Shaun Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:09:24 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-985 Took a look at the Fast Track site today. The cost to build 15 new #7 turnouts would be $253. That's for the jig, point form, wood ties, PCB ties, file, jeweler saw and ME c55 rail. This is for manually doing the wood ties using the templates, not the quick strips also. If I did the kit (for 5 turnouts) they have, and bought added material (wood ties not quickstrips) for another 10 it would be about $270. If I did quick strips it would be $325. If I stick with Atlas #7 turnouts, it might cost maybe $100 or less. Need to see how many I have right now. I also need to check the template against the Atlas #7 tonight to verify if they are the same size or not. But still, even though the cost is much higher I'm still debating it. So maybe that's a sign I should just go for it :) The two curved turnouts I'm planning on using are pre-built fast track turnouts bought from ebay. Costly, but cheaper than buying a jig and all for just two turnouts. Took a look at the Fast Track site today. The cost to build 15 new #7 turnouts would be $253. That’s for the jig, point form, wood ties, PCB ties, file, jeweler saw and ME c55 rail. This is for manually doing the wood ties using the templates, not the quick strips also.

If I did the kit (for 5 turnouts) they have, and bought added material (wood ties not quickstrips) for another 10 it would be about $270. If I did quick strips it would be $325.

If I stick with Atlas #7 turnouts, it might cost maybe $100 or less. Need to see how many I have right now. I also need to check the template against the Atlas #7 tonight to verify if they are the same size or not.

But still, even though the cost is much higher I’m still debating it. So maybe that’s a sign I should just go for it :)

The two curved turnouts I’m planning on using are pre-built fast track turnouts bought from ebay. Costly, but cheaper than buying a jig and all for just two turnouts.

]]> By: Shaun http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-984 Shaun Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:06:38 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-984 I've been thinking about it, using a Fast Tracks kit for during turnouts since they are all the same size (#7). The main problem for me though since I only have 16 turnouts (some already owned), it really would be a cost saving effort for me. I'd probably spend 50% more than the cost of ready-made Atlas turnouts for the tools and materials needed. But on the other hand, I'd have some great looking, great operating turnouts hand built by myself. So... I'm still debating :) All the other track will be Micro Engineering Code 55 flex. Wood ties on the Elmwood side, Concrete on the Marigny side. I’ve been thinking about it, using a Fast Tracks kit for during turnouts since they are all the same size (#7).

The main problem for me though since I only have 16 turnouts (some already owned), it really would be a cost saving effort for me. I’d probably spend 50% more than the cost of ready-made Atlas turnouts for the tools and materials needed.

But on the other hand, I’d have some great looking, great operating turnouts hand built by myself.

So… I’m still debating :)

All the other track will be Micro Engineering Code 55 flex. Wood ties on the Elmwood side, Concrete on the Marigny side.

]]> By: Philip H http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-983 Philip H Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:09:03 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-983 Are you going to take a crack at handlaying any of the track? Are you going to take a crack at handlaying any of the track?

]]> By: Shaun http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-982 Shaun Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:13:36 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-982 hehehe. Thanks Philip. :) hehehe. Thanks Philip. :)

]]> By: Philip H http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/2010/01/03/plan-finalized-and-printed/comment-page-1/#comment-981 Philip H Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:36:39 +0000 http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/?p=889#comment-981 Where's the #@$%@@*&^$%@$# LIKE button?!?!? Oh wait, that's Facebook. Darn, fooled by technology - but I still really like your adaptation. Where’s the #@$%@@*&^$%@$# LIKE button?!?!?

Oh wait, that’s Facebook.

Darn, fooled by technology – but I still really like your adaptation.

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