Fast Tracks minimum frog angle

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Okay so I’m ready to start my new layout and I’d like to buy a fast tracks jig.

However, because of the upfront cost I can only buy one. So I was set on a minimum standard of a #6 turnout and minimum 24" radius curves. But now I’m considering the #5 turnout especially since it will save space. I’m modeling a short line in the early 80’s so the biggest equipment will be 60 foot cars and 6 axle locos (run through power) and (I’m not planning on tri-level auto racks or TOFC) so would #5 be adequate or do I stick with the #6 minimum?

Your opinions and experiences please…

2

The Fast Tracks jigs are built to the NMRA Recommended Practices, so that’s a good place to look for information. The key dimension in a turnout is the radius of the closure rail.

For HO, this is line 11 of the NMRA Turnout RP-12.3. This shows that the #5 turnout has a minimum radius of 26", so that would be a good match for your 24" minimum radius curves. #6s would probably be better for crossovers. So if you want to make all the turnouts yourself and can only buy one jig, the #6 would be the choice.

The alternative would be to buy the #5 jig and use it for the majority of turnouts to save space and then buy a few #6s for crossovers from one of the many folks who make and sell finished Fast Tracks turnouts.

Best of luck

3

Working with a roster very similar to yours, I standardized on #5 turnouts and 610mm (24") radius curves and have had no problems with them. My roster includes a pair of 2-Co+Co-2 catenary motors with long rigid wheelbases, at least as problematical as any 6-axle US diesel.

Judging by Crandell’s experience, once you build a few Fast Tracks system turnouts you can wing other frog sizes. I have been hand-laying specialwork since long before Fast Tracks opened for business and no longer concern myself with frog numbers. I just lay out what I want with bent flex track and trace the tie lines on card stock templates. As long as the trackwork is smooth and everything tracks properly, who cares what the frog numbers are…

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on hand-laid specialwork)

4

How many turnouts will you have?

It might just be cheaper to buy them all.

Paul

5

Try this…

Find a copy of the April 1963 Model Railroader. It has an article on building turnouts in place by Jack Work. It is the bible of laying turnouts.

You’ll never need the jig and you can make a stab at the Civil Engineer certificate for the NMRA Achievement Program.

see ya

Bob

6

I suggest to use the method from Joe Fugate .

He use the Central Valley tie strips as template.

Wolfgang

7

Being a layout designer I’ll take your advise and go with the #5. Thanks for the feedback!!!

8

Chuck, thanks for your feedback also, as already stated I’m going to use the #5 and then I’ll take a whack at making the frogs to fit as needed.

Thanks again…

By the way any pics of your layout? A layout based in Japan 1964 would be fascinating to see. Weren’t they still using steam in Japan at that time?

9

I’m not a big fan of commercial turnouts, especially the way the point are hinged or use rail joiners to connect the points. Thanks for the suggestion…

10

Woflgang first off I LOVE your layout and your work, very first class!!!

I’ve seen the CV stuff and it’s great but I was looking for something that would give me the flexibility to not have to rely on a manufacturer.

11

Bob,

I will definitely order that copy, thanks for the suggestion!!!

:slight_smile:

12

Or, if you prefer to stay with the #6 turnouts, you could always purchase larger or small FT turnouts off eBay. The come already assembled, painted, and the frog wired.

Tom

13

For the Frog/Point tool, get the #12. That way, you are not limiting your frog size. In other words, you can lay frogs from #2 to 12.

David B