Fast Tracks

Hi all

I am building a new switching layout featuring coke ovens so trackwork can get a little tight. I have a situation where 2 turnouts overlap as seen in the accompanying photo. I printed some #5 turnout templates on overhead paper and stuck them on my full size plan. As you can see, the switchpoints on the LH turnout are right next to the frog/guard rails of the RH turnout. I quite like the look of this and welcome the challenge.

However, I am using #5 TwistIes and need to accurately cut each tie base to fit together correctly. Any suggestions on how to accomplish this without destroying the tie base in the process?

I ask as the templates have a different tie spacing than the TwistTies. I was originally going to cut up templates until I got it right, and then transfer them to the TT's.

Cheers
Bruce

QuickSticks will match your templates. The TwistTies are for curving and 'semi-handlaying' the turnouts. Since your plan does not curve - but just closely laps the turnouts, I'd suggest the Quicksticks - trimmed at overlap, and use the PC ties with a fixture to construct. You'll have to also trim PC ties and carefully fit the rails at the overlap point - but you'll get rock solid results. (May want to try shifting the overlap maybe a tie or two away further to ease construction - would be a little loss in compression, but a lot less trimming and fitting in construction).

Of course with TwistTies, you could ignore the templates and built in place after trimming and fitting the TwistTies as your master. You have a challenge either way.

_________________
-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

Hi Ed

Thanks for the suggestion but that (unfortunately) is not an option. I have already bought and (just) received all the TwistTies for the layout, plus I do not own any fixtures. I chose TwistTies as I am handlaying all the track on layout and these made laying the turnouts a little easier. That is coupled with the fact that I don't really like PC ties (no offence to FT at all) either.

Addtionally, I have pretty much exhausted my track supplies budget for this quarter (I can't even get my PointForm tool I wanted) so I am pretty much stuck for now...

Cheers
Bruce

Bruce,

Then I'd suggest you shift the lap point about two ties, layout the actual flexties and just get started - ignoring the templates. You'll want the headers at the lap point throw bar to be full size and trim the frog ties portions. You may want to substitute the few extra long ties with just plain stripwood pieces fitted up in place. Since you're using flexties you can adjust the lap changes with slight curved compression alignments to create a very nice flowing assembly.

Not having the point form filing blocks is just an inconvenience, as you file frog points and switch blade points, don't 'underfile' - even a bit of sharper over file and fill with solder is preferred. Take time - attack each step as individual objectives - don't be afraid to re-cut and file (the old pieces are useful for trimming and using as guards latter) - assemble with several gages and weights - fit and check before any spiking - have fun!

_________________
-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

Thanks again Ed

Wise words and information. This section will definitely take me some time so I can get it right. Not sure what you said here:



... but I'll work it out.

Just on the QuickSticks point...If they match the templates perfectly then I have a printing problem with the templates. I have 2 #5 QuickSticks I got previously for testing and my #5 TwistTies match them perfectly. Looks like printing from Adobe out of Linux may be throwing things off....

Cheers
Bruce

Bruce,

When I stated the lap changes in the fist part of the quote - I was referring to the suggestion to move the switch blade points two ties further out from the frog location.

When I followed with suggesting the slight curving - it was to result the other end back to the present straight point by slightly bowing the diverging turnout and bring the compression back to the straight center lines. (Thus you'd not lose any real track separation alignment and still get the point moved out just a bit for construction ease).

You are fairly near doing free flowing handlaying. Since you're not using the fixtures, and you don't want (like) the PC ties, the FlexTies are serving as a helpful alignment (and lead distance) mechanism.

On the template printing - check the scale markings on the printout for accuracy - you may have some fitting being done by Adobe. Not familiar with Linux options.

_________________
-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

Thanks again Ed

Got it now, the "penny has dropped" so to speak

Yea, it is strange with the printing. I have a LaserJet 4050N and Adobe is set to US Letter, No scaling, no positioning, nothing and 1200dpi. Still prints them out "wrong" according to the physical bits (QuickStiks/TwistTies). The scaling seems to be spot on as far as I can tell (measured with both a ruler and digital vernier).

My wife is going to print one on a Windoze machine at work to see if it is any different...

Cheers
Bruce

Just a quick update on the template thingy...

It was AcroRead on Linux that was getting it wrong. My wife printed a couple of templates from her Windows machine and both bases matched.

Problem solved and now I can go back to my original method (combined with yours Ed!)

Cheers
Bruce