Wayne Kinney

Hi Guys, Regarding timescales on releasing the kits. Since the EM Gauge Society are supplying me the code 75 bullhead rail, I am first prioritising fulfilling their order for EM B7 kits. EMGS members will be able to order direct from the EMGS store at a discounted price. This is going to be my first time processing a batch order, and I am still finding my feet in mass production, but it's looking good so far This will push the Standard 00 Gauge release to the end of this month. Thanks for your patience and support, everybody!

After making the EM Gauge kit, I have a much better understanding of the manufacturing tolerances. I feel more confident that it's possible to produce a P4 kit, controlling the manufacturing tolerances to within the P4 standards. But proof is in the pudding and I'm no where near that stage yet

Yes you can. Please refer the post above by Gordon S, this really sums up my thinking very well.

The kits result in no 'under gauging' through the switch without a set bend. I have previously mentioned that I have designed it not to go under gauge... Regarding curving the turnouts. I did do a test on curving an EM Gauge B7. I curved a B7 in Martin's excellent Templot software until it said minimum radius was reached. I then printed this out. Currently I believe the best method to creating a curved turnout from my kits, is to insert both stock rails through the base to give strength to it before cutting the webbing. Once stock rails are in place, the builder can then cut the webbing of the ‘inner curve’ leaving the ‘outer curve’ webbing in place. Also, no webbing should be cut around the 4 timbers of the crossing V. Once cut, the turnout can be curved much like flexi track. Offer the base of to the template (or even just a curved line drawn) and match the curve as best as possible. It would need pinning and gluing on the template paper and left to dry so that it holds its shape. Once dry, the build can continue assembly as normal. With the turnout curved as much possible to minimum radius, and without any set bend, my test bogies and 0-6-0 free rolling chassis with AG drivers go through incredibly smoothly.

Yes, exclusive to T gauge...

Sorry Patrick, T Gauge kits but with scale flangeways and working scale stretcher bars first!

I dread what people will think when my 'point rodding' kits turn out to be cosmetic additions only, and don't actually function...LOL

Thanks Martin for your reply. My kit is a model of a B7, representing a real life B7. A prototypical B7 has a gauge of 18.83mm in 4mm scale, flange ways of 0.58mm in 4mm scale and with stretcher bars joining the switch blades. But of course my turnout kits do not feature any of the above because it is all a compromise and a representation of the real thing. My loco's wheels have overscale treads and outside valve gear, with larger non prototypical couplings...etc. My Airfix model of the Supermarine Spitfire doesn't have actual rubber wheels or a working engine in it. But I don't feel it's misleading of them calling it 'Supermarine Spitfire'. We are modelling and everything is a compromise, I am not claiming my kits to be exact S4!

By necessary, do you mean that my turnouts are not functioning without the set? I can assure you that the switch is running very smoothly. Happy Easter Everybody!!!!

I think we are all in the Bank Holiday weekend mood! Roll on 4 lay-ins!

Fixed ..LOL

That's better

Thanks Martin, Don't worry, I'm not on the categorising part yet...

Further work on lighting the product...really trying to show off the detail. Certainly more work/improvement needed, but I'm getting there... Standard 00 Gauge Left Hand B7:

Hi Guys, I've been working today on 'product photography' for the website. It's tough trying to get the lighting right to show up the details in the chairs. Certainly more work to do to get both the lighting and camera angles correct. This is the first preview of the Standard 00 Gauge version with 1.25mm flangeways - little tease :

Thanks John, I would imagine it's sticking because of the chair dissolving only, not the 3D printed base dissolving.

Thanks John, I will also be releasing dedicated crossover kits at scale 6' way and proper shared timbers. The crossover kits will be slightly cheaper than 2 standard turnout kits. Butanone does not dissolve the 3D printed base material. In fact, I soak the entire 3D printed base in butanone after printing to clean it

Hi Guys, A 'Standard 00' B7 kit has just been sent to member 'KeithHC', I'm hoping he will receive it tomorrow ready for Bank Holiday weekend. You should see a short review from Keith, soon! Hoping everyone has a great Bank Holiday weekend!

Thanks Martin, It functions perfectly fine and stock runs through smoothly without. As I've already explained, with the design intent being 'Easy Build Turnout Kits' I opted for the least number of steps needed to build the turnout. Nothing strange or confusing, I think. Those modellers that wish to go the extra step of adding a set bend can do so, that's the great thing about the kits. Extra details can also be added, nicely demonstrated by John adding in the cosmetic fish plates. Thanks for the link, it's very informative

Thanks John for posting pics and your initial review. I have positioned and arranged the chairs around the switch so that a set bend is not necessary. It's arranged so that it won't go under gauge at the toe of the switch blades. As it functions perfectly, I opted for the least number of steps needed to build the turnout. Besides, a set can still be added for anyone that wants to! You make the bends for the check rail flairs first, then thread them in. Yes, the end check rail chairs are handed, following the flair of the check rail

Thanks. A4's, A5's & A6's all pencilled in

As always!

Hi Guys, Finally received the instructions and bag topper back from the printers, here are a few pics of the final product all packaged up: This sample is about to be posted to John (RMweb member 'Hayfield') so we should hear his opinions on the kit shortly. Now, back to making stock...

Hi Guys, Well coming 7th on the 'Innovation of the Year' award wasn't so bad Thanks to the 225 people that voted for me!

Hi Andy, That's right, I'm now using the EMGS rail. I have checked and C&L rail seems to have the same profile, so either will be fine. You can still join with SMP flexi track, the heavier EMGS rail will slide into the chairs of the SMP plastic base if required, depending where and how you wish to put the join. I'll also be supplying height transition pieces to transition from thick to thin sleeper heights.