Fast Tracks

I have about six or seven turnouts that will be destined for hidden/staging trackage, and I'm wondering if I can omit the wooden ties? Do the ties offer any strength, and should I add any additional PCB ties to the turnout above those built with the jig? If so, where should I add the extras?

Thanks, Brent

Brent,

I wouldn't forego the ties on my layout (I might reduce the number and shape of them).

The P.C. ties are 0.063 in. thick and the wooden ties are 0.080 in. thick. So the wooden ties are holding the switch throwbar up 0.017 in. from the roadbed.

If you eliminate the wooden tie, then you will have to make provisions in the roadbed to provide some sort of clearance for the throw bar or it will drag on the roadbed.

In addition, lowering the height of the switch could cause problems matching the rail heads heights when you connect the switch to your other track.

One final thought. If you eliminate the ties, then you might encounter a problem of maintaining the gage in the span from the points to the hinge point and from the hinge point to the frog.

_________________
Chuck Lobaugh
cfl9280@sc.rr.com
"oldsnowtop" ... A seller of switches on eBay