Easy and cheap built turnout (point)

[Nick C]

Thanks Hayfield for posting this, it's very informative - like @Lacathedrale I was debating between the different options and got somewhat confused by the array of differnt chair types, jigs and gauges - in the end I went for the BF points this time, but will certainly consider building from scratch next time (I've done copperclad track before, so not entirely new to it all...)

[hayfield]

I assume you are talking about on of Wayne's products, if so they are super and save a lot of work as the rails are supplied machined to the correct angles

 

C&L do turnout packs for chairs and sleepers only. the chairs are standard and slide chairs, either 2,3 or 4 bolt versions (I would be cheeky and ask him to swap the sprues for new ones which also have bridge and Joint chairs and functionable plastic fishplates. You can also chose between thin or thick timbers either in plastic or ply. You will need to supply your own rail

[Lacathedrale]

I'm definitely not interested in starting a gauge war - I want to try both EM and P4 and see how it shakes out. Thank you for pointing out the missing slide rail chairs, that would have been an embarassing mistake.

 

I did not factor in that 'special' chairs will replace standard chairs, so while an upfront cost, will ultimately save money through economies of scale.  The Exactoscale timber packs you reference at 65 per, those are 1.6mm thick? I gather that the flex they supply must also be 1.6mm thick, presumably to 8'6" sleeper lengths?

 

Are the exactoscale fishplates also the 'H' shape like C&L?

Edited December 2, 2021 by Lacathedrale

[hayfield]

 

These are the basics for an A5 turnout, 7 standard chair sprues @ 40p (£2.80) a sprue 12 slide chairs £1.02 

 

Many have spare rail and 60 thou plasticard which can be cut into 4mm wide strips. With digital callipers you can use these or make your own gauges 

 

 

A posher version 50 standard chairs £2, 12 slide chairs £1.02 check chair sprue 85p, a fifth of a common crossing pack 40p and a few bridge chairs and fishplates

 

Not really setting the world on fire if you add in the cost of rail and timbers

 

 

Going the full hog (unless you want 8 Joint chairs) another £1 for half of the switch pack. I think most will know someone who can help out with the odd few sprues

 

These prices can be reduced if you are lucky by keeping an eye out on second hand shelves or perhaps eBay

 

By the way if using certain Exactoscale special chairs you will need the Chair position guides which are on the Exactoscale website  https://exactoscale.com/track-components/chair-positions/

[hayfield]

6 minutes ago, Lacathedrale said:

I'm definitely not interested in starting a gauge war - I want to try both EM and P4 and see how it shakes out. Thank you for pointing out the missing slide rail chairs, that would have been an embarassing mistake.

 

I did not factor in that 'special' chairs will replace standard chairs, so while an upfront cost, will ultimately save money through economies of scale.  The Exactoscale timber packs you reference at 65 per, those are 1.6mm thick? I gather that the flex they supply must also be 1.6mm thick, presumably to 8'6" sleeper lengths?

 

Are the exactoscale fishplates also the 'H' shape like C&L?

 

No I was not inferring that but people are very protective of their gauge of choice, ask Martin !!!

 

Rather than building the track, you need to ask yourself if you are up to building everything to the required standard P4 requires

 

I chose EM gauge for various reasons, firstly my skills with woodworking, then chassis building. But the biggest mover is cost, my kit built locos just need new axles, and many wagon and coach wheels can be gauge widened at no cost at all. Plus EM gauge is much more forgiving

 

Again over time you can obtain wheels off eBay quite cheaply, and search second hand stands

 

As for the fishplates Yes they are, the ones that come with the 3 bolt chairs are standard and reinforced. Phil sells these separately or his new 2 & 3 bolt sprues include them as well as bridge   and J chairs  

https://www.clfinescale.co.uk/online-store/3-BOLT-CHAIRS-4MM-X-350-NEW-14-Chair-Sprue-plus-2-Fish-plates-10-Standard-chairs-2-L1-Chairs-2-S1J-Chairs-Rail-Joint-2-Fish-plates-p201475300

[hayfield]

I have had a query about the lost photos of various jigs I use so rather than try and find the exact photos I have found these in one of my albums. If I have missed any please ask

 

The vee filing jigs from the EMGS/S4 societies, two types each with 4 different angles 1-5/6/7/8  & 1-9/10/11/12

 

 

 

The rail is held in the hardened steel jig and filed to the correct angle

 

 

This photo shows the same jig holding both rails to be soldered

 

 

It can also be used to form the wing rails (bend roughly to shape, fit in the jig at tap with a hammer

 

Switch rail jigs for A,B,C & D switch rails

 

 

 

 

 

File both backs of the switch rails

 

 

Turn over and file the rail heads

 

 

A Caniadian Jig which covers both Vee and switch rails, but only one angle, this is for a 1-6. They are designed for flatbottom rail between code 70 and 100, there for has both left and right handed sides. Works fine for code 75 bullhead

 

 

 

 

It has 2 slots each side, shorter for the vee, longer for the switch

 

 

Switch rail is in

 

 

Vee rail in

 

Templot is developing 3D printed track and will have the facility to print Jigs for filing both vee and switch rails

 

 

Rail blank in jig

 

The blank rail filed with the jig unharmed

 

This was a prototype vee filing jig, the latest versions are slightly different. Apparently quite cheap to print and to whatever angle required

 

These are in development and not available quite yet but the vee jigs are about to be releases. You will need to either have a 3D printer or know someone who has one and willing to print them

Edited August 20, 2023 by hayfield