Hey guys,
Im creating a N scale layout using Atlas code 55 track. I noticed that Peco Medium size turnouts have a shorter tail than the Atlas #5 turnouts (see image attached below). The Peco sized turnouts would better fit my layout with its shorter dimension. Would it be acceptable to just use a dremel and cut the extra 5 or 6 ties on the Atlas #5 turnout to match the overall length of the Peco Medium size turnout (see the red line)?
-Steve
Yes, when I need to I cut my turnouts to fit.
I do use my Dremel to cut rail. They make two cut-off wheels. One is very thin and tends to break easily if you aren’t super careful with the way you cut - then pieces fly in all directions and you have to change it out. I use the thicker cut-off wheels but those tend to generate more heat and cut more slowly than the thin wheels. Enough heat can be generated the rail can get quite hot, even melt ties. N scale rail may cut more quickly but something to keep in mind.
The Atlas C55 #5s are made much longer than needed to match up with sectional straight track, so yes, they may be trimmed as you suggest with no trouble.
Note that the diverging leg angle will still be slightly different after trimming (although within a couple of degrees). So a layout designed for one brand of track won’t match up exactly if built with the other.
Also, the tie height and shape of the rail (especially) is different between the PECO and Atlas, as you probably have seen. This means that it would be very tricky to mix both in the same yard ladder or similar arrangement.
By the way, personally I use rail cutters rather than the Dremel for most cuts. Eye protection still a good idea.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
When using a Dremel and cutoff wheel to cut rail, I use a cottonball soaked in cool water to hold the track. That tends to absorb some of the heat that can melt ties (and make the rail hot enough that it is uncomfortable to hold the track or turnout with your fingers).
Dave Nelson
I have some Radio Shack spring loaded heat sink clips that work well for drawing heat off when I do soldering or generate heat from the Dremel. The wet cottonball sounds like a useful method for those who don’t have heat sinks.
Jim Fitch
Next time You need to use the smaller cut-off disc’s for cutting…put two together. I have yet to break one doing it that way, and the cut isn’t really that much bigger! I also always use the flex shaft holder…better control in My opinion, but I use a B&D Wizard which has variable speed settings, eight, in all.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Frank:
I’ll have to try that (doubling up on the cut-off discs)! I’m doing a bunch of Peco turnouts right now and the reinforced cut off disc leaves quite a gap.
Thanks
Dave
I too use the rail nippers instead of dremel when cutting track. Just in case I sneeze or something! (learned that the hardway!) I do use the dremel for gaping rails though. Great suggestion to double up the wheels, will give that a try
Tim
Or simply buy a set of the thicker cut-off disks and use one at a time. The thick ones almost never break. [;)]
You can also use the Xuron nippers, I have those too. But you’ll need to file the trimmed rail flat as they still live a bit of a point on the rail.
Good observation about the difference in length. It is almost 3 inches.
I used to buy Atlas turnouts exclusively until the Great Track Shortage. I moved over to Peco turnouts and never looked back.
The shorter Peco turnout is truly space saving. The Atlas turnouts are more fragile in that the rail easily comes out of the plastic spikes that hold the rail in place. Cutting with a Dremel just invites problems. I wouldn’t do it.
The other advantage of the Peco turnout is the spring loaded point rails. You don’t even need a manual ground throw. Just use a finger to throw the points.
In my opinion, Peco wins hands down over Atlas.
Rich
More surface area…more heat, wider cut. I’ll save those, for My die-grinder. [swg] Any mods. to a turnout…are better performed, at the work bench, with a super sharp Zona saw…I like to stagger all My joints anyway. Die hard DC user with block control…
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Up to you. Two thin Dremel Cut-off discs would be as thick or thicker than a single thicker one. Probably the same difference in terms of heat, wider cut and all. Heat not an issue with my handy clip on old school radio shack heat sinks I’ve had since - whoa, maybe teenager! I have dragged them around with me to more places than I could count on both hands!