Ashley_

A bit more challenging, Narrow gauge switches side on the track. Needs a tad improvement on solder application....

Ash,

Have a look at how they do it in Germany.

https://www.tillig.com/Produkte/produktinfo-85183.html

Bernard

Bernard you have hit the nail on the spot... that is what i was trying to design, i started sketch basically the same thing as that but with some of the guide rails missing.

Thank you 

Ash

Thanks Martin, i am sure i have seen you mention this before but i didn't really take much note. I see what you mean, in simple word your saying that the 009 locos will have to conquer a bigger gap than usual because of the flange gap that is needed for the 00 gauge loco. 

I am hoping to give it a go and see what happen...

Ash

Hi Martin.

What i am wanting to try and do is overall is produce a layout that incorporates 00 and 009 gauge track. i trying to include is a narrow pass where the narrow gauge and standard join the same track bed, similar to the picture. So was going to use templot to produce the template that i could use as a guide when i am making it.

It probably that it is not hard to use its just i am a plonker when it comes to pc programs. 

Ash

What

Ashley

 

As said Bullhead rail is much easier to file than flatbottom rail, mainly due to it being both thinner in section and the head and foot of the rail being much the same in width, also the switch blades will flex more easily than flatbottom. However it comes down to what you are trying to achieve and match up to. 

 

If your stock works on code 75 then certainly it would be easier to hone your skills on flatbottom rail. When you have finished your first turnout cast a critical eye over it and see where you can improve.

 

I would use a more modern plan, Templot program is easy to use for basic turnout templates, don't go overboard build an A5 size turnout

What programs do you use because i am struggling with the basics of templot.

Ashley

 

Well done and it is coming on well, a great effort for a first attempt. Good to see you are using a SMP kit, they are a super introduction into kit building and I hope you are enjoying the process

 

Soldering is a bit of an art to its self and like all things gets easier and the results are better with practice. Whilst there is a wide choice of irons out there fgor track building I use an Antex 25 watt iron with  I think a 3 mm tip, the very small tips do not heat up that well for larger jobs, Keep the tip clean at all times (dirty tips loose heat) and do not use abrasives to clean the tip, as it has a coating which will come off.

I am looking to buy some rail so i can practice a bit more with soldering, which do you recommend using flatbottom or bullhead rail? 

Quick update, I have finished the main part of the point and it is working to my amazement! only had to make one of my own modifications to it in the way of a check rail guiding the loco onto the rail to avoid derailing on the blade. Now i just have to finish it. Also think i will have to invest in a soldering iron with a smaller nib.

These are two jigs I bought last year from the scale four Society

 

69.JPG

 

This one is for filing the Vee's  1-5, 1-6. 1-7 & 1-8

 

78.JPG

 

This is for filing the switch blades

 

337.JPG

 

This is a very simple home made jig for holding the Vee to the correct angle whilst soldering, its adjustable to which ever angle you require and could be used to check the angle if you manually file the Vee rails

Sorry i forgot to mention it was for making the vees and the blades. Do you know if they still sell them or was it just for the show?

It there any jigs or fixtures that you can buy or make that will make cutting the track in the correct profile easier?

.

hello again

 

just noticed

 

this weekend at Wells, Somerset

http://www.scalefour.org/scalefoursouthwest/2016/

 

regards, Rodney Hills

No sorry was on holiday and Buckinghamshire is a tad far for me to go. I will keep a eye out for other events. Thanks for the info.

Ashley

 

There is plenty of very useful items about building your own trackwork on this site. Knowing what scale and gauge you are working in will allow us to give more specific advice as would knowing what stock you have and what you are trying to achieve

 

Both books recommended are well worth a read and the methods shown can be transferred to various scales and gauges

 

If you are modelling to 00 gauge many of us cut out teeth on SMP copperclad kits

 

http://marcway.net/list3.php?col=head&name=OO+COPPER+CLAD+KITS

They need soldering together, but come as a complete kit of parts, plans and instructions are quite inexpensive

 

Do buy a couple of roller gauges with the first one

 

They also supply a plastic based kit

http://marcway.net/list3.php?col=head&name=OO+POINT+KITS+PLASTIC+BASED

 

These options are a good start to learning how to build trackwork without investing larger sums of money

When buying from these people do i have to order over the phone or have i missed something. Ash

Thanks everyone for the help, i will have a read up on all suggestions made. 

I also as noticed forgot to mention that i am modeling in oo but am hoping to combine it with 009 and start to produce track like in the picture.

I am looking to have a go at producing my own track as when looking at other railways it allows you to produce points etc in the shape that you want also i was wanting to have some duel gauge track on my layout but the pre made stuff has big price tag.

Looking over the internet there are a few ways of doing it but i haven't found a website or discussion that show you how it is done with pictures (probably haven't been looking hard enough). Can anyone suggest a good website or form that will help, I also am open to all the advice i can get as i am a complete noobie.

Thanks Ash