Fast Tracks

Hello All,

I've planned my next HO layout, am rearranging the space where it will live, have some lumber on hand and am very excited to get building. In the intervals between setting up the room, I've been surfing around for track possibilities.

I'm really interested in the Twist Ties turnouts. But I'm not sure they can do what I'm looking for, I really just don't know. As I drew the plan, most curves are 18" radius minimum. There are 9 turnouts, with 6 or 7 of them being either #5's, 4's or wyes. The remaining 2 (maybe 3) are curved.

[I've scratchbuilt approximately 5 turnouts on a timesaver, and it operates pretty well. Had a friend over to operate, he brought his loco, and we had alot of fun. It wasn't until after he had left that I realized we'd been operating for over 2 hours without any derailments so I was pretty proud of my little layout at that moment.]

Anyway, enough bragging. I have always admired the trackwork on the Port Kelsey RR and have been waiting for an opportunity to try out some of the cool tools available from Fast Tracks. Here are my actual questions:

Can I use a Twist Ties turnout for my layout without having to modify the radii too much?

How do I translate what I've drawn into turnout #'s so I know which one to buy?

Here's a link to the plan:

http://www.trainweb.org/coalhauler/layout1.JPG

Thanks for reading and any help anyone can offer.

Galen

Hi Galen,

With the TwistTies and curved turnouts, I would recommend using the longest turnout that will fit the space available. When TwistTies are curved, the radius of the diverging route will get smaller, and using a larger turnout (higher number) will have the largest amount of radius to work with.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net