You can use the atlas flex track with the M.E. Rail.  i have even uses M.E. Flex track with Atlas flex track. 

Depends on your skill level, especially your abilty to solder.  I am still trying to acquire those skills, so for now it takes me between 30-45 minutes because I have difficulty in properly soldering the rail to the PCB ties.  Now, if you are really good at soldering, that time could be cut down dramatically.  It also dependso n how many of the other tools you use from Fast Tracks.  Will you be purchasing their Frog filing Jigs? And a few of their other jigs?  those jigs cut down on the "prep" time drastically, and are well worth the investment. 

3 What jig is the best bang for the buck.

Are you refering to what "size" turnout? That is comparing a #6 vs a #8?  If cost is the most important factor, then the smaller the turnout number, the less each turnout will cost since it will use less rail.  Could you clarify what you mean by your question here? 

FWIW,

Ken L.

Bang for the buck jig

Ken's answered the first two question well, so I'll take a crack at #3.

If I'm reading you right, I would say to get the crossover jig if you plan to do any crossovers.  If not, you can save a few dollars and have slightly less complexity in building regular turnouts with a regular turnout jig.  The crossover jig allows you to do a double crossover, single crossover or regular turnout all with the same jig.  The regular turnout jig allows you to do single crossovers, but it is much more challenging to do a double crossover.  Likely someone with skill could do it, but I wouldn't attempt it.  And get the kit that includes the Point Form filing jig and save a few dollars there, but I highly recommend the StockAid tool as well for filing stock rails.  If you are really proficient at filing the points, frogs and stock rails, you can skip the filing jigs, but IMO, they are worth every pen in the time and frustration saved.

Mark Think about Fast Tracks as an Investment

If you buy just the fixture that builds just the left and right hand #6 turnouts with all the tools needed to build perfect turnouts. Your missing out on the crossover. in that Kit you get

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This kit includes enough rail to build 5 complete switches (no Crossover). If you do not need rail you can order the same kit without rail. Note that the rail is cut into 18 inch (46 cm) lengths to reduce shipping costs.

Need to build more than 5 Turnouts? Scroll down the page for a list of the supplies that are included with this kit.

This kit comes complete with everything you need including:

• 1 - Fast Tracks Assembly Fixture for HO Scale #6 Turnouts using Micro Engineering 83 rail (AF-HO-T-6-ME83)
• 1 - #6 PointForm filing jig for frog and switch points (PF-6-M)
• 1 - Bundle PC Board Ties for Turnouts - enough to build 10 Turnouts (PB-HO-S)
• 1 - 15ft Coil .015 inch (46 cm) small diameter solder (SP-0003)
• 1 - Tube Pliobond contact cement with 2 micro dispensing tips (SP-0001)
• 5 - #6 QuickSticks laser cut wood tie lattices - enough to build 5 Turnouts (LT-HO-T-6)
• 18 - 18 inch (46 cm) pieces of 17-083 Micro Engineering code 83 rail - Enough to build 5 Turnouts (17-083)
• CD with a complete set of illustrated Users' Guides, videos and printable tie templates
• Our satisfaction guarantee!
• all this for $218.20

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If you buy the Cross over alone:

HO Scale, 60° Crossing Assembly Fixture for Micro Engineering 83 Rail. for $87.95


You get only

• Is Highly Accurate - Build Crossings that stay in perfect gauge - permanently
• Performs Perfectly - Completely eliminates track related derailments
• Is Economical - Build hundreds of Crossings with one fixture for as little as $10.8 per Crossing
• Is Easy To Build - No special skills needed
• Can Be Built Quickly - Build a Crossing in less than an hour!
• Looks Great! - Get results that rival even the most experienced modelers
• Lets You Work in Comfort - Build trackwork at your workbench
• Is NMRA Compliant - Will work with any NMRA compliant equipment

If you order a Fast Tracks assembly fixture, we highly recommend that you consider purchasing a matching PointForm points filing tool. This will make the construction of the switch and frog points much easier. You may also want to consider adding a bundle of PC Board ties to your order. Both of these items can be added to your cart from the Accessories & Optional items list below. Or even better, save 10% and order a complete track building kit! Click here for details.

So buying the following you save over $60.00 over all and get almost 70% More.

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With The Double Crossover set you can build a left hand to left hand single crossover ,  the Right to right hand single Crossover turnout and then Double Crossover that will build you two left hand two right and a crossing I think it's a 60 degree crossing  with the following;

This kit includes enough rail to build 2 complete switches. (2 let hand -2 right hand and a Crossover) If you do not need rail you can order the same kit without rail. Note that the rail is cut into 18 inch (46 cm) lengths to reduce shipping costs.

Need to build more than 2 Crossovers? Scroll down the page for a list of the supplies that are included with this kit.

This kit comes complete with everything you need including:

• 1 - Fast Tracks Assembly Fixture for HO Scale #6 Crossovers using Micro Engineering 83 rail (AF-HO-C-6-ME83)
• 1 - #6 PointForm filing jig for frog and switch points (PF-6-M-X)
• 1 - Bundle PC Board Ties for Crossovers - enough to build 2 Crossovers (PB-HO-C)
• 1 - 15ft Coil .015 inch (46 cm) small diameter solder (SP-0003)
• 1 - Tube Pliobond contact cement with 2 micro dispensing tips (SP-0001)
• 2 - #6 QuickSticks laser cut wood tie lattices - enough to build 2 Crossovers (LT-HO-C-6)
• 20 - 18 inch (46 cm) pieces of 17-083 Micro Engineering code 83 rail - Enough to build 2 Crossovers (17-083)
• CD with a complete set of illustrated Users' Guides, videos and printable tie templates
• Our satisfaction guarantee!
• all this for $242.16

With the double crossover kit you are not restricted to building double crossovers. You can build 1RH #6 Turnout or Just 1 LH#6 Turnout  or build just the crossover alone. so you get three fixtures in one.

With there Step by step method they will teach you how easy it really is to build their Turnouts

Dan

Thanks Everyone

I really appreciate your responces and I will get the #6 cross over jig kit for $242.00

I was just really concerned about  using different track and compatability.

I would have hated to waste the flex track, and I can Ebay the atlas turn outs and recover some of the cost.

I model in Ho now, but I used to have N scale and I seem to remember the rail joiners on ME track having smaller joiner openings than the atlas, at least in N scale they were.

But It is good to know that I can use the Ho track still.

Thanks again

Mark

Mark Code 83 is code 83 but your correct

The ME connectors are tighter then atlas as they are designed to stop the slop that the atlas connectors are known for and they are lower profile so they don't stick out like a sore thumb like atlas connectors do.

Get yourself a GOOD pair if needle Nose pliers to help put them on. and get a piece of 1/2 inch dowel about 3 inches long and take a piece of code 83 rail about three inches long. Drill a small hole about 1-1/2 inch into one end of the dowel and mix up some 5 min epoxy and glue the rail into the hole and allow the epoxy to dry. This will become your new connector spreader for ME rail connectors it will stretch your tight connector and allow them to slip on easier just make sure you solder all connectors with both rail ends tight and you railroad will have much less electrical shorts and open circuits.

Dan

Bad news for interchagilble rail

Bad news. I went out in the train room and used my handy dandy dial calipers on the base of a piece of ME code 83 rail and on the base of a piece of Atlas code 83 rail.

ME code 83 rail:

Atlas code 83 rail:

Both are .083" tall (hence the code 83 designation) but there's a .01" difference in the rail base width. I suspect this might make a noticible difference in a fast tracks jig.  ME just makes finer scale rail - it looks better from above since the railhead is closer to scale width, too.

The finer profile is the reason why Micro Engineering code 83 rail joiners are an extremely tight fit on Atlas code 83 track.

I measured the rail slots in my code 83 Fast Tracks jig for #8 turnouts.  The slots at about .071" wide. Atlas code 83 rail is not going to fit will in these slots.

Presumably you're interested in a Fast Tracks turnout fixture in order to churn out precision turnouts. I'd suggest using only rail that has the correct base width for the fixture.

Cheers (sort of),

Charlie

His concern is using Atlas Flex Track with M..E. Rail

Charlie,

If I understood the original post, his concern is whether he can use Atlas Flex Track with the M.E. rail.  Thought there is a measurable difference between the actual rail sizes, since I have myself used Atlas Code 83 Flex Track with M.E. Code 83 flex track, M.E. Code 83 Turnouts and M.E. Rail used with Fast Tracks Jig made turnouts without issue, I dont' see a concern here.  I don't think he plans on using any other rail other than Code 83 M.E. Rail in the jigs.  He just wanted to make sure he could also use the Atlas Flex Track with M.E. Rail used for the Fast Tracks Turouts. 

I have never seen atlas rail

I have never seen atlas rail sold separately! 

I wanted to add when you buy or should I say order your Turnout Jig, order at least 1 bundle if not 2 of the ME rail it will save you about $18.00 in shipping when you buy 2 bundles. I have found the 18 inch long rail bundles are much cheaper then the 36" bundles (length charge and 36 inch is sent in a separate package) the 18 inch will fit in with the main order and is a lot easier to use and store for use. If your going to hand lay all your track then I'd buy the 36inch but for turnout use the 18 inch is just fine and you don't end up with any more waist as small pieces are needed in turnout construction.

Dan

Well I bought the jig and have a question again lol.

Hi Folks,

I ordered the HO, #6, Crossover Kit for Micro Engineering Code 83 Rail (Includes Rail)

So after looking at the online video's I noticed that the kit does not come with the Stock Aid tool and will come with PC ties etc for making crossovers not single turn outs.

Is the stock Aid tool something I should get for sure or is there another way to make this easy without buying the tool. What do most of you use?

And yes I am just trying to save the flex track that I have purchaced, not use it in the jigs I just wanted to make sure the would be some what compatable. So basically ME track for switches and atlas flex afterwards.

I wasnt sure if using the jigs was going to make me commit to using ME flex track and having to get rid of all the atlas flex I have.

So Im thinking I need to make another order to make regular turnouts: Stock Aid tool ? PC ties ? and rail.

Has anyone ordered PC ties from Cloverhouse I would think they are the same thing correct?

Thanks

Mark
 

Of PC ties and stock rail filing

Clover House PC ties are a different width and a different thickness.

I buy my PC ties from Fast Tracks and things work great - I also have PC ties from Clover House and I use those for other special applications and not with the Fast Tracks stuff.

You can file the stock rail base by hand (or if you're very careful, with a motor tool) but the jig makes it no-brainer easy and difficult to flub up. I prefer goof-proof myself - so if you think you're up for the full turnout jig, then the stock rail filing jig just helps complete the set of jigs to make the entire process (with a little practice) as goof-proof as possible.

Mark I'll try to ease your mind

When your Jig arrives the PC board ties will fit the jig width wise you will need to cut them to length then using a 1 inch wide fine 10 mil. single or double cut file you will need to lightly file each PC Tie on all four edges just before dropping them into place on the soldering and layout turnout jig.

You don't need to worry about the wood ties until the solder work is finished. When I lay the wood ties out I align them so that the are even on the straight side of the turnout and glue them down to the turnout turned upside down.

After the glue dries (the next day) I lay the turnouts on the table rail side up and check all the switch points to make sure they move freely and then with a new SHARP X-acto Blade or a new Sharp single edge razor and carefully trim the ties on the curved side of the turnout.

ATLAS vs Micro Engineering (ME) Track:

Not to worry you can use your Atlas flex track or any flex track with your ME rail equipped turnouts no trouble as the bottom of the Atlas rail is wider the Top should line up perfect.

Should the Atlas be slightly wider on the inside top edges of your rails take a 6 inch long - fine cut Jewelers file and lightly file the wider section on the inside of the two rails, about two or three passes should do the trick.

Stock Aid Tool:

I have built a little more than 100 fast tracks Turnouts and have never used the stock aid tool.  What I use is a Jewelers Grinder, I'm sure the stock aid would have made the job easier. The main reason I didn't use one is that "FAST TRACKS" didn't develop it until after I had built all the turnouts. Basically its up to you, If your real good with your hands and have excellent dexterity you won't need one if your just starting to use small tooling I would suggest you get one.

Tools you really should have and should be able to get at the neighbor hood Hobby Shop at a lower price than Fast tracks sells as there is no shipping charge

1; Xuron Track cutting tool - will cut rail flush and square (a Must)

2: Jewelers Saw - with fine tooth blades, Buy a 5 pack of fine or extra fine saw blades they break easy.

3; 10 mil Fine single or double cut File they are 1 inch wide and 10 -12 inches long and get a file handle to make life safer and easier to handle the file. (a must)

Don't use an old 10 mil file buy a new one and use it only for building Fast Tracks turnouts ONLY

4; 25 watt pencil type soldering Iron Avoid the junk Radio Shack sells find a Weller Soldering iron their about $20-25.00 or Weller soldering station $90.00 - $125.00 the 25 dollar unit works fine

5; Buy a bundle or two of rail you'll use it up fast and buy extra PC board ties and a few bags of wooden ties or if you prefer buy the Twist Tie Kits they make 6 turnouts per kit

6: Don't forget to buy the Pliobond contact glue. Fast tracks sell it for $5.59 for 1 tube or if you have an ACE Hardware Store near you they sell it for $3.70 a tube and $6.25 for a 3.5 ounce bottle. I use a syringe with the larger bottle as an apply tool.

You asked"how long does it take to build a turnout?"

your first 1-2 hours as you watch the videos as you build.

take your time when building your first few turnouts and follow the instructions one step at a time in order to make a quality turnout right from the start Just don't rush.

Later when you get the hang of it you can make 2 turnouts per hour with no trouble but the first one may take more than an hour to construct. Remember it's not a race so work at what ever pace suits you.

Good luck take your time and Happy Railroading.

Dan

The simple solution - if it's

The simple solution - if it's not too late and you already ordered the jig, if you want ot use Atlas flex track, then order the jig made for Atlas code 83 rail. This is what I did. FOr rail then I just strip the rail from Atlas felx. No issues with filing the rails to mate cleanly, it's all the same rail.

                               --Randy

FWIW, although I use ME flex

FWIW, although I use ME flex in visible areas, I use Atlas in staging areas. The ME railed, handlaid turnouts worked fine with the Atlas code 83 flex although I did make sure the inner edges of the railheads were aligned smoothly before soldering. I used Atlas rail joiners as I couldn't get the ME code 83 rail joiners to stretch around the more bulbous Atlas rail.

The biggest problem you'll face is vertical height. You may need to do some shimming to make the railhead of the turnouts the same height as the flex track - however this is something to deal with regardless of Atlas or ME flex.

Charlie

Joining Atlas and ME rail

One alternative I've used for connecting Atlas and ME code 83 is to employ Atlas N-Scale code 80 joiners.  They fit easily on ME code 83 rail without being sloppy, and can be readily coaxed onto Atlas 83 if you pry the end of the joiner into shape with a small screwdriver. 

Unfortunately, as Charlie noted, joining a lot of ME and Atlas rail is not a fun job due to the differences in rail shape and width of the railhead.  For that matter, Shinohara/Walthers code 83 is a different shape still that doesn't exactly match either ME or Atlas, although it interfaces with ME more easily.  Unless you want to spend a lot of time filing and shimming, or don't care enough about smooth operation for bumping at joints to bother you, choose either ME or Atlas and use one brand of rail for everything (making allowances for the odd transition here and there to hidden track or staging if desired). 

Jig and track

I actually  went ahead and bought the cross over jig in code 83 for ME track I found out later that I could have had it milled for atlas track.

But after some thinking I bought track gauges, rail joiners, spikes and both wood and PC ties.

So I believe I am going to hand lay all my track this time, like I said I did it before and I remember the feeling of acomplishment when I was done.

But that was in N scale, Ho should be easier to see lol. Plus hand laid track runs so much smoother than the store bought track.

The Atlas I may just use for  staging yard ladders.

Thanks for everyones opinions and maybe once I get this going I can post a picture or two of my progress.

No maybes

Just post your progress with some photos and accomplishments as well as the issues you faced and how you overcame them in a blog.  Pushy, aren't I?