Fast Tracks

Hello:

I've ordered a Walthers track scale kit. I don't have it yet but I understand it requires a "gantlet" turnout to be built to accommodate the scale and bypass tracks.

I guess I'll see what the instructions recommend but I bet the kit uses a dummy bypass track. I'd rather have an operating gantlet turnout for operation purposes...and as a challenge.

I haven't found any in-depth articles online on building gantlet turnouts, any pointers would be appreciated.

But really what I was wondering was can I use the PointForm #5 tool to form the points? I'll have this on hand as I'll be ordering the #5 turnout assembly kit.

I believe for a scale it's a fairly simple arrangement, a gantlet track that's only offset from the main track by a small space and doesn't cross over itself (i.e. not requiring a frog). I think you'd only need a set of movable points on each end.

Thank you.

A number 5 set of points will work well for a gantlet 'diverging'. Don't skimp on the point length (or the transition length if you do a hinged point) - allow it to flow without a severe kink for good operations. You can (and for reliability should) allow the divergence to be split and make the gantlet like a wye - rather than a straight with angled divergence.

For model purposes, you will want the offset to be about 1.5 times the normal maximum flangeway. However, since you are using an off-the-shelf scale, adapt its designed offset into your construction.

-ed-

_________________
-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.

Thank you Ed!

I have lots of space of the points, I'll allow at least as much as the FastTracks #5 assembly fixture requires if not more. My preference would be for solid rather than hinged points.

Thanks for the tip about making it like a wye rather than just diverging. It'll make construction a little more difficult but hopefully not too bad. I'll tackle it after I make most of my FastTracks turnouts.

Thanks again!

Mark