Scratch Building #6 Turnouts (was Trout Creek/BK Enterprises Turnouts???

[rex desilets]

I've read a couple of times about making your own spikes from hard wire

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Rex,
I don't think I have enough years left in this life to make all the spikes I might need

[Robert]

Rex,
I don't think I have enough years left in this life to make all the spikes I might need

Indeed...one must be reasonably disciplined and focused when it comes to Model Railroading. Pick your battles wisely Grasshopper...

You have made nice progress in escaping from the middle rail, and the oversized rail, and ultimately from the electrified rail as well. Now go build one of these...

Robert

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[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Now go build one of these...

Robert

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So what do I do...throw a bunch of parts in a bag and shake them up?!?!?!

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Can ME flex track be bent to 40"-45" radius? I Googled it but found nothing.

Do "they" make curve templates for those radii???

[robert.]

Yes it cant be bent to 40-45 radius. I used my old gargraves as a template. I made a half circle out of 042 gargraves. the used the inside rail as a guide.
screw your gargraves down to something that will not move. Turn your M.E. track upside down. Place the outside rail of you M.E. track against the inside of any one of your gargraves rails and bend slowly. A gargrave 042 will have 3 radii. 38-40 42. roughly.

[Robert]

Bob, Yes it bends to such a radius but requires you to work the curving process slowly...meaning do not expect it to just curve as does the Atlas flex track. I actually prefer working with the ME flax track and am use to handling it. In these 2 photos I bent a 12" segment of the ME flex code 125 to a radius of approx. 30" Photos show 12 " length deflecting 3 1/2"...should prove out the curvability to your satisfaction my friend.

Robert

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[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Thanks Robert!

I shouldn't have any problems, I'm use to bending Gargraves 3-rail flex, I figure 2-rails must be easier!!!

[rex desilets]

Can ME flex track be bent to 40"-45" radius? I Googled it but found nothing.

Do "they" make curve templates for those radii???

The company Fast Tracks makes a product called Sweep Sticks [url]http://www.handlaidtrack.com/sweepsticks[/url. These are ordered in whatever radius you want (they will custom-make items for you). I've used them on my On30 track.

[rex desilets]

Thanks Robert!

I shouldn't have any problems, I'm used to bending Gargraves 3-rail flex, I figure 2-rails must be easier!!!

GarGraves is easy. Atlas is virtually impossible. ME is easier, but the teeny tiny "spikes" will let the rail pop lose if you're not excruciatingly careful.
Opinion

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

Thanks Rex, thought I had seen them somewhere, now to order them!

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

I completed turnout #3 today, at this pace I'm doing 1/wk. With 16 more to go I should get done by June 1

Only 6 (3LH, 3RH) are off the mainline so if I get those 6 done, I can at least make a complete loop to run trains. The rest are either for the yard or industrial spurs and can be done as I get to them.

I know I need more spikes and some rail, even with the spike pliers I still bend a few

[Robert]

Bob D...The only way to prevent from bending spikes is to climb back in your easy chair and become an armchair model railroader...no mileage in doing that however, your can be proud of your efforts, and your head is wonderfully full of the plans for your new 2 Rail adventure...GOOD FOR YOU!

Now go file some rail...

Robert

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Can ME flex track be bent to 40"-45" radius?

Why bother with flex track if you're already handlaying switches - much easier to bend individual rail to whatever radius (diameter) that your layout plans call for right in place,

[Jay Criswell]

Rufus T is right. Hand laying may be the way to go, plus I know a guy that can supply you with rail, spikes, and ties . On that note, I do have some Shinohara spikes that may be a little sturdier and slightly larger.

I am impressed with your ability and progress. All those years in HO are paying off .

Jay