I entered my latest couple of models into a contest and part of the of contest is voted on by the public. I'd sure appreciate your support. There are some other really great models there, too. I'm not sure my gondola car is quite as good as the top entries in rolling stock, but I think I've got a good shot with my corrugated metal building. Here is the link for the public voting. https://midwestmodelrr.com/downndirty/
Drew, Another great video. The attention to audio and video quality is much appreciated. I managed to jam in a wye on my layout with 18-inch wide benchwork: I am wondering if you might do the same at the base of your peninsula, in particular if you are running steam on this layout. -Bob T.
I'd love if I could do that and I was just thinking about it a few moments ago. A few questions, because I've had trouble getting it to work in xtrkcad. What size turnouts did you use, what are are the radii on the curves, how much easement on the curves?
Drew, It was made with a #5 wye on the peninsula and #6 on the other two turnouts. All are fast tracks. The radius worked out to about 24" with just a bit (~6 inches) easement near the #6 turnouts and just a bit more available on the #5 wye. I think you could use the #5 curved diverging route turnouts from Micro Engineering and cut it a bit more. I was able to get away with the seam on the curved section by having alignment pins and cutting the track with a razor saw after it was all locked down. You will also note that the upper incoming track on one leg is at an angle to ease the tight radius. If you could have a bit of a broad s-curve along the bottom, it might fit better too. -Bob T.
That seems relatively intimidating. I've considered building my own turnouts, but seems like it might be a tough skill to learn.
Ok, I'm still trying to figure out the easement thing. I've been reading items that suggests 16" of easement for 24" radius curves. I've got some tight places so it kind of sounds like it isn't that necessary to do that much. How much offset do you typically do in these cases?
Actually, with the FastTracks tools it is very easy to make far superior switches. You could do it very well.
Man, looks pretty expensive to get started. I wonder if I could talk them into giving me a discount for promoting the product on my YouTube page, LOL. I'm sure they'll be wowed by my 95 subscribers. I've seen people use paper templates, which seem like they take a bit more skill. Maybe I'll check out a few more videos and see if I can talk myself into it.
Doing the work with paper templates is do-able, however it will take a lot more time and effort to get the results that you can get using their fixtures and shaping tools (PointForm and Stockaid).
I've been doing some research as a part of my track planning (this is my first layout) and trying to figure out what brand of turnouts to use. I have been planning to use Micro Engineering turnouts (particularly because of their ladder system), but they are really hard to come by these days. I understand they are having some production issue due to COVID. I'm weighing the possibility of using a different brand, because I'm not sure the Micro Engineering issue is going to be resolved anytime soon. I'm considered Peco, they seem a little more available, but the are a bit more expensive than ME. In the range of $8 - $10 more. I've got 16 turnouts in my track plan and I'm not sure I want go over budget by $150 or so. They seem to be highly regarded though. I'm also considering Walthers. They seem to be less expensive than ME, and they seem to be a little easier to get. Is the quality comparable? Will I be happy with them in the long run? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Drew, the Peco switches will be far more durable and reliable than Micro Engineering; the ME throwbar/point connection is fairly weak. Looking at current prices on manufactured switches, you would be better served buying the jig, StockAid tool, PointForm tool and the supplies to build your switches from FastTracks. You will get a superior product and the jig and tools will allow you to build more. Looking at the skills that you have demonstrated so far, you are definitely capable of building your own, especially since FastTracks has excellent videos and documentation to support doing so. If you decide to go down that path, I am ready and willing to support you determining what you need and getting started.
I have 16 turnouts on my plan. On average we are looking at $30 a turnout for Peco or $480. Using FastTracks I can get the equipment and supplies I need for $465. I'd probably need to get a few more tools, but I have most what is needed. However, that is only for one size turnout. (I'd probably go with #5). Maybe... It could make some good videos.
I WON!!!! I was just announced as the winner for the structures portion of the Down and Dirty Weathering Contest for my feed store. Thanks for all the support, guys!