Trackwork

Hand laid #10 60"r and 46"r code 83 Left Curve turnout
Just two hours to build this hand laid #10 curve turnout with no jig just the Fast Tracks Template and some Fast Track tools. I have over 45 hand laid turnouts and still another 65 to build. This is a time laps video of the work. Enjoy the music and see the final product ready for the table.
Mike
Bullfrog Manual Switch Machine
Has anyone any experience with the Bullfrog Manual Switch Machines? I am starting a shelf layout depicting an old time logging operation and thought manual trunouts would slow down operations to what would be more typical of the era verses electrical turnout control.
Super Elevation Questions
I've never built a layout with super-elevated curves, but after seeing some really cool pictures taken on layouts that have them, I'd like to give it a try.
Some questions:
1) How much do you super-elevate the curves? I'm planning on using 1/32" thick basswood for the super-elevation at the outside end of the ties. That would amount to about 3 scale inches in HO. Is that too much? Or is that too little to make it worth the work?
"Boulder Ridge" Free-moN Module WIP 02/26/15
I tell you, I did not want to rush the process of building this module. My plan was to take several weeks tinkering with it. But that was not to be. The Great Train Expo is on our doorstep and every effort has been made on my part to have something that resembles a partially built module ready.

How - To remove ballast to reuse turnouts?
After dismantling my old layout I saved several layout sections containing turnouts I'd like to reuse. Unfortunately they are ballasted with white glue. Any suggestions on how to remove the old ballast ?
Thanks
John
"Boulder Ridge" Free-moN Module WIP 02/24/15
Quick update.
First off, I recommend using a piece of plastic wrap between your clamp and whatever you are gluing down with Gorilla glue.
Works great. Once dried you can carve away the excess.

Odd Track Arrangment
I found this picture in a book can naybody make sense of it (sorry it is sideways)
"Boulder Ridge" Free-moN Module WIP 02/22/15
Most of you have read my pink foam fiasco. Suffice to say that issue has been solved and I'm moving forward. The show is coming up this next weekend and the guys asked if I would bring my work in progress modules to the show. Being the seeker of punishment that I am, I said okay.
Marx 3 rail
Yep, I'm working with the old Marx 3-rail tracks and trucks/wheels.
Does anyone still use this stuff?
I'm making a dedicated layout, about 4'x4', hilly/mountain winter scene.
I plan to strip these tracks off their ties, re-bend them to 8"radius curves, convert it to a 2-rail system, and build short little engine and cars to traverse the town.
Is any of this possible?
I presume the third rail was to supply lighting?
Is it possible to convert to 2 rail?
How do these systems work?
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