Fast Tracks

I am new to this business of making my own turnouts. All is going well, with each turnout better than the last.

I am having one problem I cannot solve - when I paint the PC tie that lies under the moving part of the point rails, the moving point rails scrapes the paint off the top of the tie (picture attached). The paint used is PolyScale.

Anyone have any suggestions? Also - Tim's videos mention a video on painting and finishing a turnout, but I can't find it. Any pointers?

Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob,

You could try the weathering solution marketed by Micro Engineering for weathering rail. It won't be a perfect solution but may diminish the bold copper look.

_________________
- Terry -
Customer Service - Fast Tracks HobbyWorks Inc.
service@fast-tracks.net

Since that copper tie location is for fixed points, you could try leaving it out and substituting a wood tie in that location. It looks like your wood ties are unaffected by the points movement.

Another solution that you could try if the turnout has not been installed would be to use your soldering irons to loosen that tie and push it down then refill the solder joint and hold it in the down position while the solder cools. Repeat on the other rail, then repeat once more on both rails to release any twisting tension that might have built up. This will allow that tie to drop down a couple thousandths of an inch which should allow the rail to clear the painted area of the tie. If it is installed and not yet ballasted the same process should also work.