Probably a rehash, but here goes: How much can the straight route on Atlas HO Custom Line #4s and #6s be trimmed? I am doing some reworking of some track in a yard to allow for some passenger cars to be on fourth yard track. The switch arrangement on the main yard track is a LH #6, a RH #4 and another LH #6. I have found that the arrangement is a bit long for the current track arrangement. (Redoing the arrangement would be a minor headache.) There is an existing bridge that the diverging route on the second #6 is interferring with. (Wherever that diverging route ends up will have a bridge installed for it as well.) As usual thank you for any assistance that can be provided.
On the point end I try to leave at least two ties beyond the long tie. On the frog end I try to leave at least six ties beyond the frog.
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I know some people trim closer than that.
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-Kevin
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There is not rule, I trim turnouts to fit where needed, but try to leave plenty of ties on either side of the frog or points. I haven’t had to trip as tight as Kevin (such as down to 2 ties from points or anything that radical yet).
I’ve successfully cut up Atlas turnouts and if you leave the ties in place and just remove the rails it can be done. I cut up four Atlas #6 turnouts to make a double crossover and they have worked flawlessly for over 5 years.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
The only problem I see with that particular arrangement is that those rails appear to be soldered. I stink when it comes to soldering things. But it does give me a few ideas on how to proceed with the options I do have.
Actually only the two outside rails are soldered. I use Walthers 948-841 joiners for my code 83 rails. They fit tight enough that I don’t solder them. I only soldered the two outside rails on my Mel Double Crossover to make sure it didn’t come apart while I was installing it. It wasn&rsquo
I run code 100 track but the ideas should be adaptable. That also gives me an idea about the situation: I have some wire glue that I have used to join a couple pieces of track that are part of a long curved crossing on what will be part of the same spur line.
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Sorry, I gave the wrong impression there.
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I also very rarely trim any turnouts. The specifications I gave are just for when you absolutely must trim a turnout. I try to leave as many “box stock” as possible because it makes replacement so much easier if that is ever needed.
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-Kevin
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