Shinohara H0n3

HOn3 Shinohara switches are very good switches, I have had some in operation for years without any issues.

My only problem with Shinohara is their availability. It seems like they are made in batches once or twice a year, they go to stores and when they are sold out, they are not available until the next batch is made, sometimes months will go by. Now with the introduction of Blackstone engines more people are snatching switches, so you have to be quick.

Like other folks, I have started to make my own with Fast-Tracks. I was a little resistant to this at first, but I after I built a few, I am convinced this is the way to go. I have also built switches for friends for a small fee, which has just about paid for the jig.

Plus most of the narrow gauge lines used stub switches, which are hard to find commercially, but can be made with Fast-Track jigs.

You said "Shinohara is the only track available over here," but you did not say where over here is. If you do not want to make your own, Railway Engineering http://www.railwayeng.com/turnouts.htmhas been making and selling very good switches for years.

Good luck with your empire.

Bill B.

HOn3

Micro Engineering lists HOn3 Code 70 #6 turnouts.

Guy's   I now that ME is

Guy's

I now that ME is doing HOn3 and now fast tracks.

The problem is the shipping costs and import tax. That makes them simply to expensive. 

Shinohara is available in europe from several shops.

Thanks anyway

Rob

In that case

In your original post you did not say you were from Europe, so that might limit your options.

Shinohara are fine turnouts, just make sure that when you install them you keep the throw bar free of ballast and make sure that it moves freely. I normally carve out a little ditch under the throw bar to make sure nothing will interfere with its' movement.

I have had problems with material clogging the switch, not Shinoharas fault. I normally run a business card along the rails to make sure the points are free of material and close completely and have good contact with the outer rail.

Since you are in Europe, not sure if you are in England or not, but I hear that PECO is introducing its brand of HOn3 track and switches, may be an option for you.

Are you running DCC? If so, you may want to test each switch before installing to make sure that it is DCC friendly. Here is a link to a DCC conversion http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

My switches are 10+ years old, so I am not sure if Shinohara has updated its design with many people switching to DCC. I run DCC and do not have problems. I find that most shorts are due to wheels out of gauge and touch the points as they pass through the switch. Check your wheels with a gauge if you start having shorts.

The Blackstone cars have great trucks with wheels in gauge, so they go through the switches w/o any problems.

Hope this helps

Bill B.

I get my ME track and

I get my ME track and turnouts from KSPS, a FREMO friend in Lux.

I use code 70 for dual gauge and code 55 as well as even code 40 for narrow gauge.

You can see my layout at my site under Silver Valley RR and the newest under Pueblo & Salt Lake RR.

Wolfgang

I thank you for all the

I thank you for all the advice. I can get the #4 turnouts for around 17.50 US Dollars. That's not bad.

I live in the most southern part of The Netherlands. In The city of Maastricht.

However: I prefer code 55 so maybe I go for scratchbuilding or ME after all. I'm still looking around and haven't made any decision yet. 

Except that I'm going for H0n3 and it will be a Alaskan theme.

I moved to my new house a month ago and there is still plenty to do so I have time enough to dream/plan and look around.

Regards,

Rob