Fast Tracks

Is it possible and practical to "Curve" #8 or #10 turnouts made with the Fast Tracks Assemby Jig? I have been able to do this with some success to regular Walthers #10 and #8 Turnouts to a 36" outside radius by removing the plastic in between the ties underneath the rail. I would like to use the Quicksticks lasercut ties. Thanks for any feedback!

Ken L.

Hi Ken,

The short answer is no. The advantage of using the fixture to build a turnout is that is will hold everything very precisely while it is being built. To attempt to curve this after it was constructed would result in an unreliable turnout.

We are working on a product that will allow this, and we are anticipating it being released shortly. I have used this on my own layout with excellent results. More information about it can be found on my personal layout weblog here.....

http://www.handlaidtrack.com/port-kelsey/index.php?p=88#more-88

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Cheers!

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

Not asking for a definitive date, but are we realistically talking about a few months (like by end of year) or several months (Spring 2006) or even a year (summer/fall 2006) before this is ready. If it is within the next 3-6 months, then I would definitely be interested in that assembly jig for a curved turnout. If it is much later than that, i will need to find a different solution because of the schedule I am trying to follow and be ready to video tape a fairly completed layout (track wise) for the 2006 NMRA Convention.

Thanks again!

Ken L.

Hi Tim,

I read the weblog for your layout... GREAT WORK! I picked up on the reference to the availability of what you called a "Frog Helper".

Will this fixture hold only the frog points themselves, or both the frog points and the closure rails/switch points?

If the latter, could this fixture be used to pre-assemble frogs for curved turnouts? It is my understanding that curved turnouts basically have a short straight section (tangent) through the frog itself, with the entry and departure being the curved part... Any clarification would be appreciated!

Jeff

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Jeff Bissonnette

The Frog Helper is a "mini" jig, to be used in conjunction with the flexible QuickSticks. I found one of the more difficult steps in building a hand laid turnout was positioning the frog accurately, and having the two pieces of the frog point pre-soldered will make this step easier. The rails can be placed into this jig straight, or pre-bent. If they are pre-bent, they will be held straight while soldering, and will return to their curved state once removed.

This tool will also include a guard rail bender as well.

I may be getting ahead of myself already, as this is a new product, and a full explanation of how it will work has not been released just yet.

This is the next product we will be releasing, much of the design work is complete, and we are at the end of trial. So far we find it works very nicely, and we are hoping to have the first sizes available sometime in August or Sept.

_________________
Cheers!

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

I have searched on the websie for the Flexible Quicksticks and I can not seem to find them? Where are they listed so I can look at their specs and determine if I am capable of using this new tool when it comes out. Just to provide further background, I do not use spikes to secure the track. I glue everything down. (I use foam board for the subroadbed and vinylbed for the roadbed) so spiking the rail to the ties is not really an option. I am hoping I can use an adhesive or solder for the curved turnouts. Would it be a good idea to purchase the rail bender so I can make curved pieces of rail at the correct radius?

Thanks

Ken L.

Thanks for the information and photo Tim... Looks like another great product! Keep up the great work!

Jeff

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Jeff Bissonnette