Handlaid track topics?

[Jim Flynn]

Having decided that UK narrow gauge is the path I want to go down (after years of trying to decide scale what UK scale/gauge holds my interest the most), I've rejoined the 009 Society, and am gathering new info, and items, to move forward. Track is yet to be decided on, hence...

The cost of the Peco Mainline flex track and mainline points is fairly high over here in the US. There is a Canadian dealer whose prices are lower, but still higher than what it would cost me (with shipping) to buy from someplace like Hatton's, in the UK.

I like the appearance of hand built track, and am considering going that route. Fast Tracks ( http://www.handlaidtrack.com/ ) has jigs and tools and supplies that make point work pretty straightforward, albeit for US prototypes, but I think the points would fill in for UK types. I would have to order ties for a different scale, to get ones that would be close to 1/76 NG sizes.

As NG discussions are spread over this forum, the NGRMO forum, and the NG section of RMWeb, can any one point me to threads/topics on any of these 3 forums regarding doing handlaid track? I did try searching, but it is not the easiest thing to do.

Thank you.

Jim F

[Hobby]

Jim, handmade track is the same in any gauge, so you don't need to look specifically for narrow gauge versions, just search "handbuilt track". HOn30/HOe/OO9 track is the same as N scale (9mm gauge) so any track made for N would do. The points themselves would be the same, the only difference you have is the sleeper spacing and size (easily changed) and whether you are modelling in finescale or universal. If you are using RTR stuff then universal is what you will use, all that means is that the gaps between the checkrails and the running rails will be a little bit wider.

[Graeme Dunbar]

I admire people who can make their own track. I've only made a short section and that took a while to get right. I was very impressed by the track on John and Jane Jacob's Kingston Regis.

The jigs from Fast Tracks look amazing. You must be planning to make a lot of track to recoup the cost of the jigs!

Iain Rice wrote a really good book on making PCB track: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pragmatic-Guide-Building-Wiring-Laying/dp/1900349094/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1514131846&sr=8-4&keywords=iain+rice+track

[JulienW]

Have a look at my layout thread ("Latham's Brewery") on NGRM online to see how I hand-built the track and points for my layout using copperclad sleepers (sold for TT scale) and code 55 steel rail.

I used Micro Engineering track gauges imported from the US via Canada, and was impressed by the Fast Tracks stuff but the cost of having it sent to the UK put me off somewhat...

Having had a look at their site again the HOn30 sleepers could probably pass for 009 ones (at 21 mm long they would scale out to 5'3" in 1:76) though you could go for the longer HOn3 ones at 24.5 mm (that scale to just over 6' long), and I suspect that the "HO" sleeper spacing will not make much difference given that, in the U.K. at least there is no such thing as 'standard' narrow gauge and a closer sleeper spacing nearly indicates that the line was built for a heavier axle loading.

Hope that helps.

[Jim Flynn]

Thanks for the quick replies, folks. Especially on Christmas Eve.

Hobby, yes, I realize the sameness regarding scale/gauge. I perhaps should have asked more specifically to those on here who have done so, and the trials and tribulations involved, verses using Peco track.

Graeme, cost for the jigs, tools and supplies to do 10 points would cost me a shade over $300. US. The cost for 10 Peco points would range from $130.00 (Hatton's), $165.00 (a Canadian dealer) or $200.00 from a US dealer. Those costs do not figure postage (though Hatton's removing the VAT would offset shipping) The issue with the latter 2, is they usually do not have a very good stock. Will I need 10 points, of would I, in the future? I am not sure, but the ability to get out the kit and build what I need verses ordering and waiting is a plus, not counting the looks factor.

Julien, I'm about to read through your thread, after I finish this reply. The HOn30 ties were the ones I thought would scale out the closest, as well.

For the record, I have built points, for N and later, for HOn30, in the past, using the Fast Tracks jigs and tools. My 1st one came out ok, not my best effort, but the rest came out as advertised. The tie spacing is not hard to adjust, once the initial steps are done. The look of the points is so much nicer, and realistic looking, it's what has me leaning that way.

Thanks again.

Jim

[clayliner]

Jim -

The 009 Society Sales have used but often acceptable points for sale from time to time, at about

[JulienW]

Rather than use jigs I have a set of Keith Angus' paper templates for track & points based on Peco geometry as a PDF. I printed these off and built the track in situ by poning the templates down to the baseboard then sticking the sleepers down with double sided tape. The rails were then soldered down using track gauges to space the rails correctly (both triangular 3-point gauges and 'roller' gauges that also set the check rails) which removed the need for jigs and also allowed me some flexibility over the track geometry (there are a couple of 3-way points that I made templates for by cutting and pasting together 'ordinary' points).

If you like a set of the PDF files then drop me a private message, either via this forum or NGRM, with an e-mail address and I'll send you a copy.

[Graeme Dunbar]

Where did you get your 3 point gauges please Julien? I made one but I don

[Jim Flynn]

Graeme, not sure which Can. dealer Julien used, but they are available from any dealer who uses Walthers. There are a few in the UK. I checked Osborne's, they have the Kadee HO ones in stock, I'm sure they could order the ME ones, as well.

My local train shop would either have them, or could do so in a short time, so if I can help, please let me know.

Jim F

[Jim Flynn]

Julien, I sent you a private message.

Jim

[JulienW]

Just sent you an e-mail Jim...

[JulienW]

Where did you get your 3 point gauges please Julien? I made one but I don

[Jim Flynn]

Julien,

Is code 55 what you are using on the layout? I have been pondering what size to use, but not sure what will run on smaller code track. I don't have any rolling stock yet, and only loco is the Bachmann Skarloey that I will apply the Narrow Planet slimming kit to. So most of my stock will be newer items, such as Peco RTR coaches and wagons, more recent kits, and locos powered by Minitrains mechs and or Kato N mechs.

Jim

[JulienW]

It is code 55 flat bottom rail I have used (from U.K. Suppliers C&L Finescale, but I can't find it on their website anymore!) as I wanted something that looked better than Peco's track.

Whilst the layout still needs to be wired up (including the servos to operate the points) I used a wagon with Dundas wheels to test things out as I was building the pointwork, and another layout (12" square pizza layout with a circle of track and a siding leading off) built in the same rail has had modern Minitrians 4wheel locos running and a Kato "Portram" powered loco on it with no issues, so I would guess that with modern stock (or at least wheelsets) there shouldn't be a problem unless you allow the solder to build up on the insides of the rails (and in flangeway gaps). Older wheelsets, like the huge flanges on the old Arnold chassis, might have problems though.

[duttonbay]

The Dutton Bay Tramway mostly uses code 55 rail without any issues, albeit with Micro-Engineering HOn30 flex-track, now not available. The code 55 sections were built from 1997, so unless you have some quite old stock everything should be fine.