I have about 50 Atlas turnouts on my layout, 46 #6, 2 #8 and 2 #4, some powered with tortoises, others just ground throws. They have all worked fine for many years. GS
Video 18 is out now. Did some more track planning, this time on my layout at real size (or scale size I guess).
Robert, that could be helpful. I'm definitely planning on doing a little more tinkering based on feedback I've gotten on YouTube. Also considering moving to #6 turnouts on the mainline.
Here is my latest video. Thanks so much to Keith for the loan of his Fast Tracks stuff. Such a generous and highly appreciated offer. Let me know if you have any tips, everyone.
Hey Drew, Another very nice video. Much better than my first try. If you are looking for soldering tips, there are a couple of videos from Kevin Marks doing FastTracks projects: I don't recall if you have crossovers in your layout plan, but I would recommend making a crossover early on and test locomotives to see if they will track through. If too tight, I have the #6 crossover, and the #8 turnout fixtures. You also might look at putting a small bevel on the top of the entry and exit points of the guardrails. Merry Christmas, -Bob T.
Thanks, Bob. I don’t have any crossovers, but now that you mention it might need to add one. LOL. Thanks for the links to the videos, I’ll check those out. I’m more worried about my skill when comes time to wire the track. Thanks for the tips on the guard rails. I’d kinda considered it, but was sure it was necessary or even helpful. I’ll definitely do that now.
Drew, nice work! To improve soldering of the rails to the ties, put a little flux on the ties before seating the rails. To improve the point/stock rail interface and reduce the possibility of flanges snagging the points, you can file some relief into the inside of the stock rail heads where the points will intersect the stock rails. Do this before installing the point/closure rail. Wash the soldered turnout with soap and water before adding the QuickSticks to get rid of any trace of the acid flux. I agree with Bob about the bevel on the ends of the guard rails; I have done it on all mine from the start. BTW, I have the #5 Double Crossover Jig which can be used to build various crossover configurations.
Here is the latest video. I've finished up the benchwork. Now I can start laying down some track and maybe run a train.
Hey Drew, another fine video. I like your hinge approach. You might consider adding a perpendicular stiffener to the lift up and maybe some alignment pins/slot such that once you have track, your will get a repeatable alignment. Go Chiefs! -Bob T.
