I bought a mystery hand built point at Shepton - any idea where you could get more of these/the parts to create them? More details and an image here:
http://rhydddu.blogspot.com/2010/02/hand-built-versus-peco-points.html
Thanks Colin
Hi Colin
I can not be sure about the actual point that you purchased, but the plans for 009 hand made points are/were in the 009 Handbook. They were originally drawn by Ray Ripon from Leigh on Sea, who used to have a very good model shop in the London Road. Several of his 009 locos are still about including the last one he made a very nice Peco GVT tram.
The sleepers are probably made of PCB strip that is available in various widths from several model railway suppliers and the rail is available from Peco.
You will also need two roller type track gauges, a soldering iron, some solder, a fine saw and files to cut and shape the rails as appropriate.
Because of the work needed to get Peco 009 points to work correctly takes some time and their geometry can be restrictive, hand made points can often appear to be the better option and they will certainly be cheaper. However in my experience hand made points are not as reliable as proprietary ones, even if they have been made by someone who has years of experience making them. On balance I think I would still use the modified Peco points. But like with many things in out chosen scale it is all down to choice.
Brian Meldon
Aren't Peco supposed to be bringing out some better points soon? If you have no experience of track building you might be better waiting to see what they turn out like.
Richard
Colin,
I've just noticed your blog post regarding piano wire and the cutting thereof. Yes, real piano wire (as opposed to ordinary steel wire) is extremely tough and will make short work of most side cutters. I have a very old pair with notches at the base of the blades and a broken tip to testify to the toughness of this stuff.
You're better off using a cutoff disc in a minidrill (preferable a mains Dremel rather than one of the little 12v "hobby" drills). This will go through it in short order but will also generate heat and sparks in profusion. Don't forget eye protection unless you want a trip to casualty to test their 4-hour turnaround time for minor injuries.
Regards,
Chris