Hey Y'all, Next month, I am beginning the build of the San Antonio, Fredericksburg & Northern. I've been doing some research on the line and have found that they used ties spaced 24" apart and that the rail was 65 pounds. To accurately model the track, the HO equivalent to 65 pound rail is Code 55. I'd really like to use that. However, I know that many use no lower than Code 70, which is 90 pound rail. Has anyone used 55 with success? I would really like to use that. Thanks, Manny
All wheel sets on rolling stock, tenders, pony trucks, etc., will be replaced with metal wheel sets, TBD. Are all flanges equal or are there smaller ones?
Are you going to handlay? That's a pretty delicate size so I would try a short test track. Paint it, ballast it and try out your trains to see how well they track. I bet turnouts in that size are real boogers as well. I think Micro Engineering code 70 looks to be about the best as far as looks go. The ties are more realistic than Atlas. Just throwing out some thoughts.
Yes, all track will be hand-laid via Fast Tracks. Each tie will be spiked, not glued. No tie plates, as they weren't used on the real line. Only the switches were more in line with Class I roads. As for the switches, I have a switch builder who has been building with Fast Tracks for years. I'm going to get the turnouts from him to start. Later, I will buy the build plates and do them myself. For expediency, I'll be buying the switches pre-built. Code 70 equates to 90 lbs rail. Much more sturdier than the 65 lbs rail. I think I will do as you suggest Jim. Test and try. I may be forced to go to 70, but I'd like to try the 55 for total effect.
I have hand laid lots of Code 55 rail and made switches as well, with no problems operationally. And nothing looks better for old lines or branches or industrial spurs. Ken McElreath
Hey Ken McE, Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, I'm going to do the Code 55. I have never seen it before, nor the 70, so I'm hoping it will be the bees-knees! Manny
Ken - What types of ties did have you used? Seems like I've read of folks using PC board ties?. When I someday model the Caruthersville Branch, I'm thinking that Code 55 would be much more aesthetically pleasing. Manny, I too look forward to progress photos. Best Regards,
I was looking at the Fast Track website and a handlaying kit for ONE HO SWITCH is $225!!!! Can that be correct? $225? Tom G.
Tom, What you are buying is the template which is machined metal. It includes all ties, rails, etc. This allows you to build a switch. Afterwards, you just need to have rail and ties. The template is not a one time and throw away. Watch their videos they post up and see how everything goes together. The investment is well worth it! If you want a FT switch builder, I have a very reputable guy who builds them for reasonable prices, aka, $25.00-$35.00.
There are at least two guys here in KC that use the Fast Tracks jigs, and they swear by them. One has built his skill using their jigs to the point that he can hand-build any turnout in about 1 hour. Yes, the up-front cost is relatively high but the end result can be nothing short of a masterpiece. Like any other endeavor, sometimes the tool makes the difference between excellent and average. I know the concept because certain woodworking tools make me a wood craftsman as opposed to a being a framing carpenter.
I have found that there are very few problems in laying track with Code 800 and Code 1000 rail. Now ... to me ... even Code 100 looks minuscule - and use guys are talking bout Code 55.
Ahh. Cool. 7 1/2" guage. I love it. I wish I could have a live steamer. I'd love to have an Allen 2-6-0. I would make it so FRISCO.
My past experiences with Code 55 are the same as Ken's: No problems if the equipment has NMRA RP25 wheel contours and you use small spikes. Looks great for older rail. Andre
I've made the decision to go with Code 55. I've spoken with Fast Tracks and they have the necessary jigs for Code 55 and for the correct 24" center spacing of the ties I need. This is awesome. The ability to model exact 65 lbs rail, tie spacing, and being able to spike the track realistically will add an awesome aspect to the line. Using the dirt that Jim has sent me, it will be even better! All cars will have the necessary NMRA RP25 wheel sets, and will be metal. Now the only thing I need to find out is the length of each track section for the S.A.F&N for the period. I don't want to assume that its the 39' standard. Whatever the case may be, the rail will be cut the correct length, and staggered as necessary. This may mean the possiblity of more derailments, but derailments were not outside the norm on the real S.A.F&N caused by track conditions. It's not like I will be high balling either. Trains didn't move that fast back then.
