through the looking glass
My last entry perhaps came over a bit more glum than I intended, giving the impression that I was abandoning 2mm rather than just having a break for a while to give my eyes a rest! So am adding this one to balance things out a little!
Firstly, as I indicated I have been tweaking my little 2mm goods engine and am pleased to report that it is now running more smoothly, having traced the cause of the intermittent the short to a frame catching a crank.
I also mentioned that I have been having a go at building some C+L finescale points using code 75 bullhead .
My experience of constructing 2mm turnouts has been of good use in this process.
Just a quick resume of my method, as I'm not sure I have mentioned this before, and which I have used for the 4mm turnouts.:
First a template is printed off Templot.
Second, the sleepers are measured and cut to size. With copper clad obviously the isolation cuts are made also.
The sleepers are then stuck to the template with pritt stick.( This holds them very nicely while glueing/ soldering, and peels off the template easily on completion, with a little water if required.)
Outer rails cut and fitted using the templates as a guide. Gauges / plain track used to check gauge.
V crossing constructed - I have used the association jigs and gauges; but also just used the Templot template as a guide - both seem to work as well as each other.
Switch rails filed and added again using the template as a guide.
Then a temporary pcb tie bar is attached to allow the turnout ot be tested more easily by rolling a wagon through. When happy, the check rails are added.
Using this method I can build a working turnout comfortably in an evening if I so choose, although with the glued points I like to leave time for the Butanone to dry thoroughly.
I have used the same construction method with a 3 way point in 2mm, but that is the limits of my experimentation.
Of course, I have not added chairs to the 2mm points, which would improve their appearance but be extremely fiddly..
If I were planning a sizeable new layout I would need to get to grips with Templot to learn how to print off the complete track plan for better transition.
I have found the C+L turnouts ( all Butanone) relatively straightforward, and because of the increased gluing area compared to 2mm scale, have found the completed turnout strong enough not to add any soldered sleepers, even where a chair has been trimmed for clearance.
Whether I still think this after fixing them down and running the loco over a few times remains to be seen!
Something in the C+L instructions which I completely endorse - point building should be enjoyed.
Regards,
Chris
- 3
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