Fast Tracks

Like a lot of model rr's I need some transitions from one code to another. I do not like to use the plastic transition pieces available and could not locate any made of metal. I need to transition from code 83 to 70. I use ME rail to make turnouts on Fast Tracks fixtures so I decided to try making my own transitions. The attached scan shows the trial piece and unassembled samples of the transition. Use of the Fast Tracks TO assy fixture assured rail gauge and alignment since the code 83 fixtures will allow code 70 rail to fit. I cut down the code 83 rail head and web on a belt sander, being careful not to remove too much of the base thickness. Then, using a jewelers file, I hand fit the two codes together until the rail head height was the same. I then placed them in the fixture on PCB ties and soldered the code 83 to the ties followed by soldering the code 70 to the adjacent rail then to the notch in the code 83 rail. I centered the joint on a PCB tie for stability and joint strength.

This procedure could be done anywhere, not just an add-in piece. I plan on doing some on turnouts that lead to a yard and to sidings.

Hope this is informational and something some else can use. Time wise, it took about 15 minutes to make the trial piece. This is not much, considering I will not need that many of them and will make them as needed.