>"Michael Eldridge" wrote:
> 1. how long your moving rails are from point to hinge.
No hinge at all on my turnouts. No need to have one since the hinge itself
presents an opportunity for the flange to pick at the joint (on a curve) and
possibly derail. A solid length of rail is more foolproof. Then again, my
approach may not be prototypically authentic.
> 2. do you have a rail joiner at the hinge?
There is no hinge at all.
> Anybody have a better looking alternative?
Well since you asked..... There are two methods to make a simulated hinge
that makes moving the points much easier. One technique is to simply cut the
base of the (code 100) rail on both sides of the web. A Zona saw or Dremel
grinder can cut through the base in short order. Then the only part of the
rail that needs to be flexed is the web and the head. Makes flexing much
easier. After 25 years, no problem with rail breakage at all. Might not work
well with smaller rail sizes, but that is just a guesstimate.
The other technique is to solder a small solid wire along the web across the
gap. The rail is totally cut (hence the gap), but the wire holds everything in
alignment. The smaller (than the rail) wire is the only thing that needs to
flex.
> 3. what materials are people using for throw bars.
PCB ties work for me. Buy 'em, nothing to make, easy to use, take solder well,
can be tapped if desired, easy to insulate if wanted and so forth. Not much to
complain about.
> Like, (Paul) why use PC board if you are going to make a mechanical,
> unsoldered link of the points to the throw bar?
If you want a mechanical unsoldered link, the PCB throw bars will still
accommodate you. So will other materials.
> why use epoxy/fiberglass board (PC board without foil) instead of more common
> materials?
PCB ties are very common and are available from several sources. FAST TRACKS
being just one. It is a matter of time vs. money. If you make everything
yourself, you will die before the layout is finished. If you buy everything
possible, you will go bankrupt before the layout is finished. The choice is
yours.
> Should be painting the layout room walls later today, just sky color,
Use BALLOON BLUE from Pittsburgh Paints. Do not use a more pale blue.
Hope all this helps.....Ed L.
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