Fast Tracks

Hey everyone, Im about ready to start my first layout. Cost Is going to be a big issue for me. I was wondering if anyone knows the cost of each turnout when you build them yourself. Still on the fencw about handlaying my own track. Thanks for the info.

This depends on how many tools and materials you have or don't have, and whether or not you want to do them by hand or with machine help.

For instance, a belt sander with disk sander can be had somewhere about 75 to 100 dollars.
A soldering iron could be just 35 for for a resistance set 300 dollars.
then theres the solder, flux, paint, rail, ties, files, drills, saw (jewelers) glues, that you'll want to have to finish them off.

The rail and ties I would say that cost is around 5 to 10 dollars (depending on turnout size). laser cut ties slightly higher.

rob

Think im going to give it a try. Ive got plenty of room in the loft for the layout, so I shouldnt have to much trouble getting my monet out of the jig. Thanks for the info.

And i have most of the tools..hope the dvd that comes with jig kit explaines what I'm going to use my belt sander for....thanks again.

The material cost of a #10 N scale code 55 turnout using products purchased from Fast Tracks:

42-44 inches of rail: $1.65 USD
54 Regular ties: $1.40 USD
10 PC ties: $1.10 USD

Total: $4.15 USD (all price calculations are approximate as of 02/07/05 and YMMV)

This does not include the cost of solder or the necessary wiring. And it certainly doesn't include the jig, soldering iron, files, or any other tools you may wish to use.

I'm using code 40 which increases the cost calculation slightly because of higher rail cost. Frankly, I think it is a bargain!

That is a great price, do you hand lay all you track, or just turnouts?

I hand lay all of it. It is true that commercial flex track may actually be cheaper if you compute the costs per foot, but this is part of the hobby that I enjoy and have for nearly 30 years. Besides, I'm only working on a small layout for my own operation. Anyone who is filling a basement would need to look at both the cost and the time issues. Fast Track jigs are superb. The turnouts are great even when combined with flex.

the "cost appraisal" above seems good in itself....
ergo, its seems on the surface a pretty good deal to handlay your track.

but here's the other "half" of the equation (as surfsideflip surmised):

~18' section...
rail= $20.00
ties= $20.00

so, cost of handlaying track is around $40 per 18 feet of track...
the cost of ME c40 or c55 flex track is around $24 for 18 feet of track.
the cost of atlas c55 flex is around $16 for 18 feet of track.

so, $40 vs. $16 ....
no savings ...
in fact not only are you paying alot more...
you'll also have the headaches of actually building the track and gauging the rails...

going back to the TO's:
surfsideflip...
you came up with a cost of $4.15 per TO for the raw materials (i came up with about the same)
now commercially available TO's...
atlas c55 ~$9-10
potential cost savings...around $5-6 per TO.
(i'm sorry tim, but i have to say this)
now if you add just a standard/basic jig and a point/frog jig...
you need to handlay at least 30 TO's to break even .
(remember the jig will only give you one size TO....
if you need multiple sizes, you'll have to calculate in more jigs...)
and one more thing, take into account what rob (de rebel) said about tools.

conclusion:
DO NOT HANDLAY if you want to save money.
(for an average layout) its much cheaper, easier, and will give you less headaches to use commercially available track.(mass production does have its benefits )
DO NOT HANDLAY if you want something up and running quickly (even if it is just a part of the layout, so you have something to run trains, while you work on the rest of the track/scenery/structures/etc.)

HANDLAY ONLY if you have lots of special intricate track work that is not commercially available, and you feel your skills and patience is up to the mark, and you want the satisfaction/pride of saying you did it yourself
HANDLAY ONLY if you want the BEST looking track available

ADDED: if you're gonna try handlaying track (i think everyone should at some time), then the fast tracks jigs are the best way to go
unless you really want to learn the hard way...trial and error

I'll add to this discussion also.

I find that if someone wants a few odd turnout sizes, I can't see them buying track laying tools for one or two number 12's or whatever. Go to someone whom has them, and pay them to make em for you, of course you'll have to be the quality control guy. Know whom your buying from. and how good they are.

As far as track laying the above costs are about right. I added tools, gauges, paint, glues, chemical blackener, brushes, etc etc to the equation to get the 5 to 10 dollar figure, and then add a few bucks for labor, (my labor) or your time, it works out the same.

Bottom line, if your building a basement empire, they are definately worth the time, expense, and investment.

If you just need a few, well you'll have to decide how much
you can afford in time and tools or have a custom builder pop them out for you.

Rob

i agree with rob,
if you need a couple of "special" TO's, then find a good craftsman.

and again, as i added to the last post...
everyone really should try handlaying themselves