Scratch Building #6 Turnouts (was Trout Creek/BK Enterprises Turnouts???

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Martin, you may be right. I have a hard time putting down a piece of straight track, maybe some curves would fit right in with my "abilities"

Jay, it's called "being retired" not ability. I wish I could get this focused on my golf game, might break 80 more often.

The 3rd one was the only one that I did without forgetting something, like cut the material away from the rail at the points. On the 1st and 2nd ones I had to pull a piece of rail up because I forgot to do that.

I've also realized at some point you have to trust your eyeball in order to put a piece of rail down. Once down the rest seems to fall into place.

I'm using the standard NMRA track gauge to set the rails, I feel I need a gauge that won't get in the way as much and will keep the rail where I want it until I get a spike in. Which one of these should I get:

track gauge 3 point.jpg (4.71 KiB) Viewed 8291 times

track gauge s-l300.jpg (4.04 KiB) Viewed 8291 times

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Martin, you may be right. I have a hard time putting down a piece of straight track, maybe some curves would fit right in with my "abilities"

Not all that hard actually. Draw a line on your ties with a straight edge for the 1st rail and spike it in place; NMRA gauge off that rail to get the other down & straight within acceptable tolerances -- that's all that matters in the end anyway -- I just roll a truck through to check - unless there's a real visible issue - keep going!

I'm using the standard NMRA track gauge to set the rails....

You really only need to set the 2nd rail. One straight it's easy; on a curve, I'll sort of test spot/spike it into place loosely and then work from the end into place.

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Sounds like what you're suggesting is basically what I'm doing

I'll continue on until I hit a bump!

[stephen neill]

BobD - I have some of the smaller ones you show and like them. They are on ebay.
you can get several and line up a section of track and slide them forward as you go. They are inexpensive.
Steve

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Thanks Steve! I figured they would be easier to use then just the NMRA gauge...it's cumbersome to use the gauge, hold the rail steady, and spike it with 2 hands

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Thanks Steve! I figured they would be easier to use then just the NMRA gauge...it's cumbersome to use the gauge, hold the rail steady, and spike it with 2 hands

It's O scale - 1st you have to suffer........................and get a 3rd hand grafted on using your retirement benefits,

[robert.]

Solder 18 inches of copper pipe to your gauge. then wrap a one inch ball of soft tape around the other end. Now you can hold the gauge with you teeth.

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Maybe a 3D-printed device that clamps to the forearm and moves from muscle activity in the arm. With a variety of attachments we could do the job of a toolbox full of tools!!!

[rogruth]

Maybe a 3D-printed device that clamps to the forearm and moves from muscle activity in the arm. With a variety of attachments we could do the job of a toolbox full of tools!!!

I think you are getting the idea!

[John Webster]

In theory, the three point track gauge is used with the single point on the inside rail of a curve. That gives a slightly wider gauge in curves which might be helpful if you run long wheelbase steam locos.

[bob turner]

I have maybe six brass bars with slots cut in them. It is truly nice to have an end mill!

When I am spiking, I use them on both sides of the area I am spiking, and further along to maintain the rails sort of where I want them. A couple are undercut so I can use them on switches and dual gauge track. I think I used a 1/8" end mill, but am sure they hold the rail upright without my teeth getting involved.

The ones I use on mainline curves are ever so slightly wider . . .

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

A mini-mill would be nice, but I doubt I'd get but so much use out of it. I do have a couple of bits that I've used in my drill press, but a DP is not really made for side loads so....

I wanted to use my Kadee coupler gauge the other day and couldn't find it. I found it this morning and realized it can also be used as a track gauge. Doesn't hold anything in position but it will tell if the (straight) rails are in gauge.

[Robert]

Hi Bob...I knew someone who made several of the gages being describe using some scrap oak hardwood glued into the specific shape similar to the bottom of the Kadee gage...he said they seemed to work fine for his purpose. I had mine made in the machine shop where I use to work before retiring.

Robert

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Oak sounds like it would be good to use, but while I was reading your reply I thought...I have a lathe, why not use it???

If I can find a bit of brass round stock (or a brass bolt) I'll make a couple of these:

roller track gauge.jpg (34.92 KiB) Viewed 8131 times

[Jay Criswell]

BobD,

Doesn't have to be brass. Delrin works well also. Shoot anything you have laying around will work.

Jay