Fast Tracks

Kind of a question, is it possible to modify the jigs for Proto 87 building? From looking over the information these look just right to make Proto 87 stuff, just need tighter clearances.

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

We can produce fixtures with the necessary modifications to make them Proto:87 compatible. The critical differences are the track gauge and the flangeway width, which the NMRA has published standards for. When building a turnout to Proto standards, extra effort is required to get proper fits between the rails for the flangeways, some of the base of the rail will need to be removed as the geometry of commercially available rail will not allow the rail to sit side by side and still maintain the proper distances for the flangeway. Other than this issue, producing a Proto:87 turnout in a modified fixture is pretty straight forward.

When placing an order you are asked if you would like to customize the order, if you select yes to this question you will be given a variety of options, here you will find the option to modify the track gauge and the flangeway widths. Enter the size you would like these to be in the box provided. There is a fee of $17.50 US for each of these options.

Proceed through the checkout process as prompted to complete placing the order.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net

Tim,

Why would you want to change the gage? Proto:87 (S3.1) uses the same minimum of 0.649" as 'standard' (S3.2) HO. Thre is less allowance for gage widening with Proto:87, but turnouts should be rather tight in gage anyway for reliability.

True the flangeways are smaller for Proto:87 and your guidance to trim the rail bases is absolutely correct. Flangeway at the frog (wing rails) is a tight tolerance MIN of 0.022" to MAX of 0.023", but easily achievable with gages and jigs. That will leave the guardrail flangeway to be the same when using absolute tight gage - but you can have as much as 0.008" upto 0.015" allowance in gage and corresponding guardrail placement to keep the check gage correct. Tight gage and less gage widening is STRONGLY recommended.

-ed mccamey-
Proto:87 AKA: emccamey@coslar.us

Hi Ed,

All our fixtures will produce trackwork with a final gauge in the dead center of the upper and lower tolerances of the NMRA standard. We do this by simply adding the upper and lower sizes together and dividing by two, leaving us with a track gauge with the maximum amount of allowable upper and lower tolerance for error.

Since it has been our experience that most modelers using the Proto:87 standards prefer to use the minimum track gauge, and adjustment is in order.

We can produce fixtures with any track gauge desired, but will only guarantee the performance of ones with the mid range track gauge. While it is true that as long as the final track gauge falls within the range of the NMRA standards, and the equipment being run on this track is also set to the same standards, performance will be fine. Putting the track gauge in the middle ensures to largest amount of error possible and still end up in spec.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net