--- In [email protected], "ctxmf74" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In [email protected], "Dennis H" <dhultay@> wrote:
> > Fastracks seems to be the way to go, however, expense is a
> > factor.
> > Still I wouldn't want to tackle building all my turnouts completely
> > from scratch.
>
> With fastrak jigs you still have to make all the same
> parts(actually more since they use pc board ties), all the jig does is
> hold the rails in place while you solder them. It's really very easy
> to assemble a switch directly onto wooden ties without a jig and thus
> eliminate the soldered ties which are an extra step(you still have to
> put wood ties down when installing fastrak built switches). If you
> want to spend some money probably the most usefull thing they make is
> the point and frog filing block which looks like it might save some
> wear and tear on the fingers.....dave
>
===================================================================
Greetings:
A testimony from another happy Fast Tracks system user.
As someone who has scratch built many, many HO code 100 switches and
most recently 20+ switches in Code 215 rail for a large scale garden
railroad, I can tell you the Fast Tracks system (filing jig, rail jig &
quick sticks laser cut wooden ties) are the only way to go if you have
to mass produce lots high quality standard-sized switches.
Yes, the initial cost is high, but when I figured out how many switches
I would need for my layout, my cost per switch IIRC will be around
$15/switch. So you if need to build many standard switches, again IMO,
this is the most cost effective solution.
More importantly, the jigs are so well engineered, that they produce
the smoothest running switch I have seen in any scale, EVERY TIME. For
example, there is no need to fill in the frog bottoms because the
wheels do not drop when traversing through the frogs. I am not sure
how this is accomplished, though the excellent instructional video
explains why, all I know it is very easy to consistently produce a
smooth running frog.
Furthermore, the system create turnouts faster than I can handlay a
switch, especially if the quick sticks ties are used. Just glue the
rails down on the quick sticks, spray the whole assembly with your
favorite tie coloring paint, clean the rails, and you have a pre-
assembled switch ready to install. Like Greg, I am getting to the
point where I can crank out a high quality switch in about an hour.
If any body is interested in finding out more about this great product,
please do not hesitate to contact me offline. Usual disclaimer I
don't own the company or even know the owners, just another satisfied
customer.
John Gibson
Building the Mountain Subdivision of SP's Sacramento Division in S
Scale.
Rocklin, CA
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