Trackwork
Sloped diamond crossing -- doable?
Has anyone any success in implementing a diamond crossing on a slope? I have a line coming in from an external fiddle yard and if I can bring it across the line of my helix it looks like the traffic flow will be simplified. Question is, do I need to have an extended level section for this or is it possible to have the trackwork on a slope? The helix is rising right to left at the intersection point with a 3% grade. The fiddle yard line is rising left to right at the intersection point with a grade of about 2.5%.
Central Valley Tie Strips and gluing rail question/opinion
Hello everyone.
I am probably going to use CVT in my yard and sidings as I like the way the ties are spread out over the mainline ties (I am still going to use ME code 83 for the main). My question is, I have heard and seen many types of adhesives used for fixing the reail to the ties. I have seen Barge (CVT recommends this), CA, super glue, pliobond etc.... Do you have a favorite, good result, or recomendation?
This is coming up fast so I would like some opinions.
Thanks you for your help as always.
Jim (Chesticus)
Peco vs. Walthers/Sinnohora Turnouts...
I am designing an industrial shelf switching layout and have been using Peco #5 & #7C turnouts for most of the layout. there are five places where I need to use W/S #6.5 curved turnouts to fit the trackwork into the space available. I like the "snap over" feature of the Peco turnouts as the layout will be hand operated with a wooden uncoupling/switch throwing pick. I don't want to use ground throws to hold the points in position. Is there a mechanisim that works like the Peco mechanisim that can be used on the W/S turnouts?
Prototype sidings
Here are some pictures I took at a local warehouse siding that show the height difference between the main line and the spur on a 200' distance between main and spur.. Notice also the "ballast" on the latter!.
Atlas flextrack (SuperFlex 83) revisions
Apparently Atlas HO scale flextrack (specifically their code 83 Super Flex-83) has revisions. I happened to have two pieces side by side and noticed minor differences between what appears to be revisions "A" and "C".
Micro Engineering Concrete Track
Just received my Micro Engineering track for my Fair Interlocking module, very nice concrete tie profile:
Walthers Shinohara FYI
Unlike most of you I have no desire to hand lay track. Oh, the patience you must have. The Fast Tracks jigs do look nice and with all the rave reviews I have no doubt they work great however due to the number of configurations I need they represent a very substantial cash investment, some to build only one needed switch.
New to the hobby
What is the best starter HO set to buy that is under $100? Also, what type of track (EZ track, etc.) would be the best to get if we decide to expand from a 4 x 8 table top in the living room, to a larger area in the garage? Thanks
Answer to rfbranch
on the backs of the Caboose Industries package at least the 50 I have on the lowest section it says:
202S,206S AND 208S Sprung Stands Mount with Molded pin in .055 diameter hole (#54 drill) in turnout throwbar or with straight throw Rod link. Internal springs will take up the overtravel and maintain tension on the turnout points.
Hope this answers your question as I couldn't add a reply to your question there seems to be a problem from when Admin did something to update.
Dan
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