Syd Schofield
I’m looking for some HOn3 code 55 turnouts or turnout kits. I thought Micro Engineering made them at one time but if so, not anymore. There are a few kits out there which is some help rather than starting from scratch. The alternative is the Micro Engineering N-scale code 55 kits which will only need some additional rail and gauging (which has to be done anyway). I’ve built some code 70 turnouts using the printed circuit board ties on a home-built fixture, so I’m familiar with the process. Any ideas? E-bay has a couple as a last resort.
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Syd, I have eight (4LH, 4RH) code 40 #4 Railway Engineering turnouts from the 70’s hand made by Steve Hatch himself. Let me know if you can use them. Trade for stuff or BO.
Did the 4d purchase or inherit a bunch of FastTracks turnout jigs? I do not know who has them>
Terry Dillon
Have you considered the HOn3 code 55 jigs from Fast Tracks? I’ve built numerous code 83 &70 HO turnouts for the Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club and find them easy to use and build reliable turnouts. Many have been in operation for ten years running tourist demos every morning May to September.
4D does have some FastTracks jigs, and there’s been discussion about how to allow members to borrow and use them (I think this is an excellent “member benefit” for 4D members). Syd, check with Russ the next time you see him, if you’re interested in finding out more about the FT jigs.
BTW, it’s nice to hear from fellow 4D members up in Alaska (thanks for the comment, Ron!).
4D does have some Fast Track jigs but nothing in Code 55. All the turnout jigs are for code 83.
From Michael Murray:
Check out Trout Creek Engineering; they sell code 55 Hon3 turnouts:
http://troutcreekeng.com/bkho.html
Good source. I’ve been using the ME kits with PC ties. Probably will continue unless someone makes a complete turnout as ME used to.
Syd
atlas also makes a nice code 55 n-scale turnout that may be useful.
I suppose that may be an alternative with minor alterations. Cutting the ties in the center and lengthening the four rails at the head of the throw rails works. Not a whole lot of effort but it would be nice to have everything done for a reasonable price.
If you would like: I make my own turnouts and have a program that calculates turnouts for any frog, for any scale, for any code, and for any switch rail length you would like. This program formula are those used of 1:1 scale. To make a turnout, you make a jig for the curve of the turnout easily made from alumiun. I would be happy to help you. I have over 100 turnouts on my layout.
Thanks for the offer. I’ve been using PC ties and a wood fixture with blocks and tee pins, but the store-bought generally have a better finish and more detail. As per the early railroads, stub turnouts are re a toss-up between hand made and store-bought. BTW three way can be powered by the Garner method or with the machine points with an isolated center (everything between the outermost rails).
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