TexChem

Vaguely recall there being a hoover on Burton shed around the time of its closure. My dad worked at the local newspaper and brought me a picture home - I guess there was an article in the paper at the time. You can make up a story to justify about anything.

Thanks - appreciate it. Getting ready to do the same on my own.

Looking good. What have you used for the hardstanding and how have you secured it?

Do you use a guide to maintain the angle of the cut?

Thanks for the tip - I am a chemist, so I use eye protection by second nature/

Great idea - but unfortunately, too late. Will keep in mind for the next time.

I have reached the point in track laying where I need to cut the track across baseboard joints - secured to copper clad. I have a Dremel and have used the standard disk which is supplied by Dremel. While it works well, the gap left behind is larger than I would like. Accordingly, I am looking for suggestions on where to source thinner disks or alternative methods to cut the rail. Appreciate your collective wisdom. Tex

Don't have a 20 p coin - what about US currency? Actually, I might have one somewhere.

I appreciate the continued comments and helpful information and I will, when the time comes, make a call about the "timber" widths to get something more appropriate. Had a water leak this past w/e, so no modelling - we have a holiday this Monday, I am going to try out the suggestion of using the short model switch and see how it turns out. I did not mention that I had widened the gauge to 16.5 mm at the ends of each of the switches to connect with regular track. I will not do that the next time and see how things go. Tex

I appreciate all the encouragement and feedback. These are just my first attempts and I am unlikely to use these on my layout - I am learning how to fabricate the parts, put them together and wire them up. Mike/Martin - appreciate the tips, time permitting will have a go this weekend. Dave - I purchased the copper clad from Clover House (I am in the US and this is US-based company), they are 3 mm, I believe, and so they are narrow. While I am in the learning phase, I am not overly concerned about this, but when it comes time to do them for use, then I will have to worry about it then. Tex

I decided two or three years ago to have an attempt at building my own turnouts - bought gauges, copper clad and some BH rail. Then, like many on here, life intervenes, confidence fluctuates, motivation ebbs and flows - nothing happened. This Christmas I took some time off work, closed all of my work related software (specifically email) and spent quality time with my family, which included some modelling time. As part of this modelling time, I pulled out the gauges, rail and copper clad and had a go. I made two B6 turnouts (using standard templot templates - no messing around, just set to 00-SF) - here they are. I have not yet gapped them, tried them electrically or put in tie bars - but they seem to operate ok when I had push through a short wheel base wagon. The curved turnout may need a little fettling in the diverging road, but I was quite pleased with them for my first attempts. I have to say it is really addictive and I want to replace all the turnouts on my layout - not sure I am ready to do it, but.........

Please continue - I have greatly appreciated the efforts of you and others on these threads who take the time to digitize collections like this and post the results. For an ex-pat like me, resources like rmweb and others are absolutely invaluable.

Thanks for all of the suggestions - these are exactly the types of ideas that I am looking for. Happy New Year All

Thanks for the additional suggestions. At least I won't have to look too hard for a supplier for swear words......

All, Thanks so much for your valuable suggestions; given me lots of food for thought. Tex