Fast Tracks

I have made several dozen HO turnouts, all but the first couple look like they will work very well and the ones I tested did. One problem that happens more that I wish, is the upward curvature that is introduced into the stock rail when the base is removed with a belt sander. Even being extra careful doesn't always prevent this from happening. Several methods were tried. One method seems to work better to remove this unwanted curving. I place the rail into a groove cut into wood (I couldn't get enough heat into the rail in a metal fixture) and hold it straight. Heat is then applied as equally as I can along the unwanted curve area with a 100 watt gun (be sure there is NO solder on the tip). I continue to hold the rail straight with weights or clamps until it is cool. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries if the curvature is large. The rail then sits smoothly in the Fast Tracks fixture groove, from end to end. Once you get the hang of it, and have the "fixture" made, it only takes a couple of minutes. Better than wasting rail or having a piece of trackwork that works but could be better.

I have not had this happen. Every turnout I've made has come out completely flat with no special work to flatten rail required. All I can think of is that you're over heating the rail when you sand off the inside of the foot on the stock rails. Perhaps it IS happening to me and I haven't noticed. I suppose the act of soldering it to the ties in the jig could force it straight, but I haven't noticed having to force the rail down so I doubt it. I make a number of light passes to remove the unwanted rail and haven't noticed it getting hot.

Jim

It doesn't happen that often. I try to take very little off each pass, sometimes as many as 10 passes to get the railbase removed. I do not let the sander belt (aluminum oxide type) get too worn, either. I know the problem is heat related, but it still occasionally happens (but it is still too often). One thing I have noticed is that the colder the room temperature the less likely it is to happen. The area is not heated where my shop equipment is located. Heating the rail is my way of salvaging the ones that do curl on me. I originally hand re-formed the rails, effective but not too easy.