Fast Track turnout experience

[Johnhurst]

I am considering building some turnouts using Fast Track products. I would appreciate any advice from those who have done it before. I would also like suggestions for finding used jigs to purchase.

 

[ctclibby]

John: FT's are good. When I decided to go with them just after they 'started up' I realized the cost of buying the many jigs for my turnout configurations would be spendy; decided to get 2 of them - 1/2 #6 double cross-over and 60-40 #8 curve. Then I started learning turnout building using said jigs. After I got comfortable with the 'this is how you do it part', I just started using the configurations from the track plan ( xtrack with FT turnouts ) printed 1:1 scale and marked, filed and cut rail in the places needed. There are usually 2 long rails I deem anchor rails, glued PCB's on the printed track template where needed, then fit those 2 first, marking and fitting for connecting other rails/frogs; soldered and filed where necessary. Got 1 yard throat done along with a single crossover. Yard throat was a little over 4 ft and way much easier on the bench vs in place. That railroad did not come into being as life got into the way. Think at that time I was into the jigs over $250, no clue now what they are now. I did not buy any/all the little 'helper' stuff.

I have seen them on eBay over the years and they did not seem like they were any kind of 'deal' vs new.

Starting out it is a little frustrating, but you will get the hang of it.

Good Luck!

L8r

 

[Johnhurst]

John: FT's are good. When I decided to go with them just after they 'started up' I realized the cost of buying the many jigs for my turnout configurations would be spendy; decided to get 2 of them - 1/2 #6 double cross-over and 60-40 #8 curve. Then I started learning turnout building using said jigs. After I got comfortable with the 'this is how you do it part', I just started using the configurations from the track plan ( xtrack with FT turnouts ) printed 1:1 scale and marked, filed and cut rail in the places needed. There are usually 2 long rails I deem anchor rails, glued PCB's on the printed track template where needed, then fit those 2 first, marking and fitting for connecting other rails/frogs; soldered and filed where necessary. Got 1 yard throat done along with a single crossover. Yard throat was a little over 4 ft and way much easier on the bench vs in place. That railroad did not come into being as life got into the way. Think at that time I was into the jigs over $250, no clue now what they are now. I did not buy any/all the little 'helper' stuff.

I have seen them on eBay over the years and they did not seem like they were any kind of 'deal' vs new.

Starting out it is a little frustrating, but you will get the hang of it.

Good Luck!

L8r

Thanks for the great info.

 

[Selector]

The BIG WIN from building Fast Tracks turnouts is that you learn how to make ANY turnout....pick one. I have made several customized turnouts using no templates that Fast Tracks sells because they were unique to my needs. Did they work? Yupper, and still do...now on their third layout. I have made custom wye turnouts through which I have literally slammed passenger trains trailing BLI Niagaras at high speed, in forward and...in reverse! Scale 100 mph and more with the locomotive backing four or more Walthers heavyweights with diaphragms up a 2% grade. As anyone with a bit of time in the hobby will appreciate, that gave me a very nice warm 'n fuzzy.

Otherwise, I purchased the materials and templates for #8 regular turnouts, and for a #6 double-slip. I won't kid you or be dishonest...I did ask a long-time modeler for help with the double-slip. I built one that works fine, but I ran outta gas before I got the points to work well, and he finished it for me.

A BLI J1a taking the diverging route through a Fast Tracks #8 in Code 100:

A BLI T1 Duplex pulling up to the depot next to a repair crew working on clearing the flange paths of a newly installed #5 double slip at left-center: