Fast Tracks

I'm getting fairly salty at making frog points, but noticed something and have a question. Does the successful operation of the frog point rely on which side it is made on? In other words, If I use the right-hand turnout mold to make my frog points should they work OK on either side, or when I make them, should they be exclusive to that turnout? Additionally...does making them on the left side "bend" them to that side and vice-versa, or 'should' it matter.

Thanks.

The actual point (and the straight portion following) does not matter at all. What you do refer to is the length of extension that extends beyond the point and any curvature you may induce in the point rails beyond the frog.

Bending or 'setting' the rail extensions to fit a particular turnout at installation is easily accomplished and should work fine. Most turnouts have little if any actual point rail curvature until way after the frog. Your worst cases would to not do any thing and have the assembly in a stress tension when finalizing construction. This could lead to broken solder joints - but with just a bit of alignment during construction you should do fine.

Any curvature that may be induced is very slight - you should have no particular problems.

-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.