Check out this pre-made Handlaid track.I purchased a single 36" straight piece from <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.custmtrax.com/">http://www.custmtrax.com/</a><!-- m --> This track has road bed,Micro engineering rail(code 83 and weathered),Higball light gray ballast,and stained wooden ties and it's flexible.I plan on using these products for my switching layout in the future,along with proto 87 details.I included a photo with my sample and my Athearn genesis boxcar(rp25 scale wheels)I considered going with Xtraks,but my eyesight being what it is,I decided to go with pre-built track.Custom trax has some good prices on "packages"(10 straight,2 #6 Switch's)$139.00.I know it's a little pricey,but i can't imagine "me" having to spike every individual tie(twice).Or having to spend the money for left & right #6 & #8 switch templates.Each switch is about $25.00 w/stand or w/o stand.How much would you pay for 1 Peco switch?

Don Shriner

That stuff's pretty good looking. I love the handlaid look, but the time I'm willing to invest in such a task is nominal, hah.

Looks real good...But if they're going that far...How 'bout some tie plates..??

Here's a company that actually has detail parts like,tie plates,throw bars,etc.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.proto87.com/turnout-details.html">http://www.proto87.com/turnout-details.html</a><!-- m -->

Yes, I've used this PROTO:87 stuff. I've built a turnout.





Wolfgang

I'm building all my tracks by using my own track template amd those of Fast Tracks

Hello Joerg, Don't overwhelm us with all of these posts. I can't believe, one post in 36 days. That has to be a RECORD.
Great looking track.
Welcome to Big Blue, and seriously, post a little more often,
Charlie

Yes, Wilkommen to the board!

Michael

I thought about laying my own track,but i just know my clumbzieness would get in the way,and i would screw up everything.I decided to just go with Atlas code 83 500 series super track.It's inexpensive,and it looks good.Although i won't be able to run the semi-scale wheels like i wanted to. :cry: I've already tried with the Exactrail semi-scale wheels,and they drop when rolling accross the "frog".

Actually I'm one who hates the look of handlaid track. Today's flex track is so vastly superior in looks to hand laid with it's one grossly oversized spike every 6 or 7 ties I don't understand why anyone would waste the extra time. That said hand laid switches on average do look as good or better. When I look at a photo the first things that will tip me off that it's a model is hand laid track, magnetic pins on the couplers and power/telephone poles with no lines on them.

Here is some of my track that I have have handlaid in code 70 on Kappler ties. The white under the switches are switch templates I photo reduced from a prototype switch diagram. Virtually all the switches are #5 and 6 with a few #4's into industries (such as the mill building in the middle picture).

good Work

Merry Christmas

Boy! Beautiful trackwork. I'm a handlaid guy all the way and I love to see this. Keep up the good work!

Cheers!