Just saw it at a local train event and it looks like the real thing, wish i had better eyesite, scale fishplates and scale spikes, are we starting to go overboard as this is HO.
Those tie plates and spikes look great but there is now way I could use them. I’ve used those turnout kits and tie strips. (which are actually made by Central Valley) They work and look GREAT! Pretty EZ to use too.
To do Proto87 takes a very patient person. I suspect that what we call excellent trackwork is the starting point of Proto87. Particularly with those scale flanges
Actually, the scale and near-scale (slightly longer) spikes work very nicely for hand-laying track using codes 70, 55, and 40 rail in HO and HOn3. I understand they also work well for N, even though a little over-size in that scale. My next P87 item to try will be the throw rods in an effort to get something that looks better than a PCB board tie as a turnout throw. Very few of the track items - turnout frogs specifically - are limited to P87. Andy even offers highly detailed NMRA-spec frogs.
Unfortunately for Andy, my 1900-era short lines didn’t use cresosted ties or tie plates. I’m told even the Western Pacific had the same practices until just after they finished laying the track!
Now, if I can just find some more of the old Timberline redwood ties…and a Colorado source for grape vine twigs to use for rough-hewn ties.
yours in trackwork
Fred W
…The Picture Gorge and Western Railway and Tilamook Head and Bethel Railway are submitting revised down-sized plans in light of the real estate right-of-way limitations placed on them by the prospective towns being served. It seems several town officials, particularly in Tillamook Head, suspect that the overlapping Board of Directors of the 2 railways will not be as good for town development as originally thought. When both railways down-sized their plans in response to town questions about which railway warranted their support, suspicions were apparently confirmed. Alderman Hawg, owner of the struggling Hawg Marine Shipping, stated, “Neither of these railways has the town’s best interests at heart. All they want is our waterfront land and money.” Actual surveys and construction are still expected to start this winter based on the revised plans, according to our reporter at the town hearings… (excerpted from Coastal Oregonian Gazette 12 Sept 1899).
Hey, Fred, I have grapes in my garden…two varieties. Want some twigs?
No wine to go with the twigs? [:D]