Fast Tracks

I'm considering an HO slipswitch assembly fixture for use in a yard.
Reading various commentary it seems some are easier to build then others. However I cant make much sense out of it.
The comments on the order pages indicate #4 and #5 are harder to build, and I am presuming this is due to hinged joints and movable frogs.
But other comments say "larger then #6" are hard to build. What is larger ? A larger number ? or a larger turnout angle ?
I printed out the drawings for #6 and #8 ... #6 looks fairly straight forward, but #8 looks very complicated with 4 separate throw-bars (#6 has 2 throw-bars). This seems to contradict the comments I've read.

Considering I'm a fairly "junior" at switch building (have built about 20 to date) - I think I'm ready to build the simplest of the slipswitches but not the complicated ones. What would you suggest ? This is going to be in a fairly small HO yard with the goal of maximizing the available length of straight track compared to using stacked single switches. So I think the smallest #'d (physically smallest) slipswitch is preferable.

Suggestions welcome !
Thank you
-David

David,

The number 7 and up (numbers larger - angle is smaller) do require the center moving points for reliability. Some say that 6 should have it and 5 and below will be fixed and simpler. Problems are that the lower numbers (4,5,6) are restrictive of the equipment that can negotiate through them - larger wheel bases (most steam and the 3 axle trucks of diesels) need a larger number (smaller angle).

The fixed center crossings (lower numbered slips) are easier to build. At our club the number 5 handles most all equipment. The number 6 is considered a 'standard size' - but does require very careful construction to avoid having to install the moving points. FastTracks does not use the moving points on number 6 and below - but rightly does expect them on the number 7 and above.

Another issue to consider is the points movements. Depending on your rail size, moving all 4 points at one end can become a very stiff mechanical set up. You really should consider the extra effort to build with hinged points (which is more complicated).

There can be more issues - you should only use a double slip if your space absolutely requires it. I've built 14 double slips of all sizes, and they are not for the faint of heart. Often, just a little extra space and building two regular turnouts with close facing points is a better option.

-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.