02-06-2010, 05:03 PM
I like to hand lay. It does take a lot of patience, practice, attention to detail, and a willingness to rip it up and do it all over again. Which I've done on my present layout at least twice so far.
If you want to just get your trains running like last week, then hand laying track is not for you.
I purchased a # 5 single turnout Fast Tracks Kit which I have put to some seriously good use so I'm confident with the fact that I've received a decent return on my investment. In hindsight, if I could do it all over again, I would instead have purchased the # 6 Crossover Kit. The Crossover Kit while the start up cost is more expensive initially, the Crossover Jig is more versatile, as you can make a single turnout, a single crossover, or of course the double. Using the jigs really boosted my confidence, being new to the hobby and exploring the options available to me at the time. However, I think I've safely moved beyond that horizon and have since built a few different pieces of track without the jigs. I'm especially proud of my # 6 Crossover. It was the first piece of track work I made without a jig and I am especially proud to have it sitting on my layout performing its job beautifully.
![[Image: DSC03138.jpg?t=1251041371]](http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee118/tetters73/DSC03138.jpg?t=1251041371)
As for tools, an NMRA track guage (your scale of choice) and some 3 point track gauges (I have three). For spiking I picked up Xuron tool kit sold by Micro Mark which contains a set of rail cutters, spiking pliers, and spike removal pliers. I tried using a set of needle nose pliers with a small groove in them to hold spikes, but just got frustrated by the amount of spikes which went spiraling off into oblivion when the pliers would not hold them securely. However that is not to say you could not try making your own.
http://www.micromark.com/3-PIECE-TRACKLA...,9200.html
Ties can be had from a variety of sources, either your LHS carries them or you can order on-line;
http://www.blackbearcc.com/index.htm
http://www.handlaidtrack.com/index-2.php
http://www.mtalbert.com/lumber/basswood.html
For one stop shopping the Fast Tracks site has it all.
I'm not sure which "diorama" JG is speaking of, but if he is referring to the CNJ Bronx Terminal, that track was meticulously cut filed and shaped by hand over a cad drawn template by its owner Tim Warris. For some serious head spinning I suggest you check his Blog for some Supreme Track Laying Skills.
http://www.bronx-terminal.com/?p=5
If you want to just get your trains running like last week, then hand laying track is not for you.
I purchased a # 5 single turnout Fast Tracks Kit which I have put to some seriously good use so I'm confident with the fact that I've received a decent return on my investment. In hindsight, if I could do it all over again, I would instead have purchased the # 6 Crossover Kit. The Crossover Kit while the start up cost is more expensive initially, the Crossover Jig is more versatile, as you can make a single turnout, a single crossover, or of course the double. Using the jigs really boosted my confidence, being new to the hobby and exploring the options available to me at the time. However, I think I've safely moved beyond that horizon and have since built a few different pieces of track without the jigs. I'm especially proud of my # 6 Crossover. It was the first piece of track work I made without a jig and I am especially proud to have it sitting on my layout performing its job beautifully.
As for tools, an NMRA track guage (your scale of choice) and some 3 point track gauges (I have three). For spiking I picked up Xuron tool kit sold by Micro Mark which contains a set of rail cutters, spiking pliers, and spike removal pliers. I tried using a set of needle nose pliers with a small groove in them to hold spikes, but just got frustrated by the amount of spikes which went spiraling off into oblivion when the pliers would not hold them securely. However that is not to say you could not try making your own.
http://www.micromark.com/3-PIECE-TRACKLA...,9200.html
Ties can be had from a variety of sources, either your LHS carries them or you can order on-line;
http://www.blackbearcc.com/index.htm
http://www.handlaidtrack.com/index-2.php
http://www.mtalbert.com/lumber/basswood.html
For one stop shopping the Fast Tracks site has it all.
I'm not sure which "diorama" JG is speaking of, but if he is referring to the CNJ Bronx Terminal, that track was meticulously cut filed and shaped by hand over a cad drawn template by its owner Tim Warris. For some serious head spinning I suggest you check his Blog for some Supreme Track Laying Skills.
http://www.bronx-terminal.com/?p=5