Re: Modelling stub switches

Posted by Keith Hayes on May 29, 2015; 1:32am
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Modelling-stub-switches-tp2408p2412.html

Jeff, Tim Warris at Fast Tracks has developed a method to use his jigs to build a reasonable stub switch. I may try this method as I move the layout down the canyon. There was a fellow on the NGDF that provided some background on the geometry of a true stub switch, which may differ some from a point switch. Anyway, Tim developed a reasonable workaround. There is probably a downloadable PDF on the website (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/v/vspfiles/documents/ug20.pdf). (Incidentally, I would not stop the rails over the PC board tie, but extend them just past: you want the moving rails to stop one tie space past so that you can have some spikes or pins in a wood tie to serve as a rail stop. Also, the last PC tie under the moving rails will want to have pins underneath to permit the tie to rotate slightly under the tie.)

A couple years ago, I made several overtures to Tim to design a jig for a symmetrical three-way switch as used on the Colorado narrow gauges. He has not taken on the project. BK and Steve Hatch both make fine three-way and standard stub switches. The trick to the three-way is automating the throw (if you choose to do so), and automating the power routing (if you choose to do so).

I studied various options for turnouts years ago, and determined that buying a Fast Tracks jig was the most cost effective--I recall it started to pay for itself after the fifth or eighth turnout. I have built 12-15 now, and can build a turnout in a couple hours. It also allows for some customization. Tim has worked out the geometry very carefully, and the jig turns out beautiful track. Tim also has some superior videos on his website that explain how the rail wheel moves across the frog--fascinating stuff for a certain mind set.

On the other hand, one reason I chose Leadville is that there is a diamond on the main where the D&RG Ibex Branch crosses just north of the roundhouse. I tried to build this from scratch a couple times, and could not make it work. So I turned to Steve Harris, and he built a fine piece of track that I will be installing soon.