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Post by Tiest van Gool on May 19, 2022 14:15:43 GMT -5
I am planning my new z-scale model rail road, in the process I have ventured from Canyon Diablo to Grand Canyon and ultimately ended up at the Colorado Rockies, the UP Moffat Tunnel sub division. Yes, I have been made aware that someone beat me to the punch here… Hans’s layout is a fantastic point of reference as I embark on my journey…  While track planning, I got to think about the track work itself and in particular whether to self build tracks (Fast Tracks) versus purchasing tracks instead (Atlas, Rokuhan or Marklin). I am leaning towards hand laying the tracks as it seems to be more realistic, especially when considering ME Code 40 and the variation possible with the ties itself. I realize it tedious work but have the patience to put something like this together I believe. Looking for some war stories around using Fast Tracks. What has been your experience? Any recommendations on why or why not to go down this path in z scale? Thanks in advance! -Tiest |
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Post by rgs455 on May 19, 2022 22:48:09 GMT -5
Hi
I've only handlaid track in H0n3.. I wouldn't dare in Z. To finicky.. and Z is.. In my opinion.. to small for such handlaid. Imagine seasonal changes in temp. and humidity of the subconstruction..they can do havoc in HO.. let alone Z.
Z is so small.. the optical benefits of handlaid track disappear .. if you weather and ballast industrial track.. you'll be just fine.
BR Boris
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Post by louiez on May 19, 2022 23:50:12 GMT -5
Most of my track/turnouts are made using Fastrack jigs and supplies. I still use manufactured curved turnouts because FT doesn't make z scale jigs for curved turnouts. I use Code 55 rail and it is tedious work which may be even more tedious using code 40 rail.
It does take some practice building turnouts but after a few you'll be able to build one in about an hour. You might want to try building a few straight track sections first, just to get used to the soldering process. Also be careful with the amount of solder you use. I ran into issues with the wheels hitting the solder on some of my early builds causing derailments. A little solder wick fixed the problem.
Another benefit is that you can make the track sections as long as you want/need. My test track is a 6' oval with 11" radius curves. This was all put together using just four pieces of track (four solder joints) and it is super smooth.
I found that using N scale PCB ties for the throw bars make then more sturdy and makes it easier to install switch machines. It creates stronger solder joints for the point rails and provides a little more area for drilling the hole for the piano wire. The ties won't fit in the jig but it's not a big deal to connect the throw bar outside of the jig.
The hardest part of building the turnouts is getting the guard rails and and frog set up with the proper spacing/gapping.
It's a lot of fun but requires a bit of patience/practice.
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Post by BAZman on May 20, 2022 2:05:25 GMT -5
You WILL be on a LONG journey. Hand laid track does not look realistic to me. No tie (sleeper) spikes or a few every cm. And compared to hard-to- precisely scale Loco trucks (and other rolling stock/loco scaling), it is not worth it. Using the 3’/1m “rule”, you really don’t see the extra effort. Also, lifetime maintenance (thermal effects, bad solder joints, points break, etc) plays a hard roll. Micro-Trains Flex Track is c55 but has a noticeably narrow rail head. The Tie (sleeper) spacing is U.S. but looks great. Many of the European layouts I have seen use märklin everywhere. However, you don’t notice it because the scenery and imagery blinds you  The answer can only be found by trial and error. |
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Post by tjdreams on May 20, 2022 19:14:19 GMT -5
If you have the patience and are willing to spend the money for a fast tracks kit and the other tools required. Go ahead and give it a try, Build yourself some turnouts. But be prepared their is a steep learning curve or at least their was for me. It took me 5 tries before was able to build my first usable turnout. You will not save time or money by hand laying your own track. and if you want to use code 40 rail it's pretty much your own option.
Now with that being said and haven tried it myself with code 55 rail. I'm going to agree with the rest and say go with ready made turnouts and flex track. It will save you a lot of time headaches. Don't get me wrong I'm glad I tried it. I feel the knowledge and skills I learned by trying it was worth it and has helped me become a better Modeler.
Some things to consider If you go with code 55 rail you can easily mix and match use ready made track and turnouts in hidden areas with out worry of the rail differences being noticed. Atlas makes a #6 turnout so if you do choose get a fast tracks fixture go with something else smaller #5 or preferably Larger like a #7, #8, #9, or #10 so you can add a verity of turnouts to your layout and avoid the cookie cutter look of having every turnout be exactly the same. This way if you like and are successful building turnouts you can always get a #6 setup later, or you can just get the ready made Atlas #6 turnouts and use them.
Like Jeff said the only way to find out if hand laid track is right for you is to give it a try. Trial and Error
David
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Post by ptitrainrouge on May 21, 2022 0:32:51 GMT -5
some Z scale layouts are entirely built with hand lay tracks, but it is always a challenge (can t imagine doing that myself  )
this one is large,
this one is under construction
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Post by zman on May 21, 2022 6:08:03 GMT -5
Job security, time on your hand, and a real sense of accomplishment if you are willing to take on such as task. Have fun!
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