Fast Tracks

Model Railroading Discussion Forums

Return To The Fast Tracks Website

The Fast Tracks discussion forums have been closed. Click Here for more information.

It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 2:34 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 2 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:20 pm 
Offline

Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:40 pm
Posts: 12
I have built a few CVT switch kits that have come out great. I am considering getting a Fast Track template for the majority of turnouts on my new layout. I was noticing that there is no kink in the diverging stock rail at the point like the prototype and the hand laid turnouts I have already built. Is this going to cause problems? Plus is there a way to use hinged points instead of continuous?
Thanks
Pete

_________________
Its a Hobby not a JOB!!!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:22 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2005 10:48 am
Posts: 365
Location: East Texas - USA
Pete,

The 'kink' (also called 'joggle' or 'Z'-bend) works well and can be incorporated with the FastTracks fixtures and the templates. The fixtures have just enough allowance to incorporate the diverging point bend.

FastTracks has several how to videos and instructions for hinged points. It's an option for all turnouts, a must for the center points of a double slip (number 7 and above). Most of the examples use shortened half sized rail joiners or just spikes as side holding - but you can use other methods as well. The fixtures have a hinged point marker ('H') as well as the last solder point ('S') marker used for flexed continuious points.

See: Newsletter #8
See: The instructions for the Double Slip
See: Tim's excellent video; http://www.bronx-terminal.com/?p=2761

I prefer to measure the hinge point to AAR and AREA lengths. I cut the rail head and the rail base with a razer saw - leaving only the rail web to allow the hinging. This gives enough flexibility - but also allows full electrical contiunity.

No problems either way - just more time and effort to construct. If you use the joiners, align them between the ties so as not to create a hump.

-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.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 2 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 26 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group