Fast Tracks jigs and Atlas rail?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

I’m considering purchasing a Fast Tracks N scale #8 curved turnout jig. The Fast Tracks site says that the kit doesn’t include rail, and to get one with rail it is an extra $10. I have a large pile of atlas code 55 flex track that I probably won’t use any time soon. Can I just strip the rails off the flex track and use it in the turnout jig?

Also, since I’m building a curved turnout every rail will have to be bent. Can I just gently bend the rail by hand or should I bite the bullet and get the “Rail Roller” for an extra $50? Thanks in advance for your help.

2

Your most accurate answer would be from Fast-Tracks themselves.

You can ask your question here:

http://centralfloridashops.fast-tracks.net/question.php

Or, go to their forum and post your question there.

http://www.handlaidtrack.com/forums/index.php

Jerry

3

I read some time ago that they had measured the rail base, and that the Atlas code 55 would work with the ME code 55 jigs. You could search their forum to find the answer, that’s where it was.

4

I believe the jigs are cut for the type of rail you tell them you intend to use, so I would not necessarily expect that the jigs will hold any size of rail properly in their CNC’d channels.

5

Thanks for the help guys.

I emailed Fast Tracks and they said that atlas rail would work fine. They also said that the “Rail Roller” will make building go faster, but it isn’t necessary in N scale.

6

With a little practice you can bend the rail by hand. And you don’t even ruin any while you practice.