DIY track construction

2228 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by alastairq, Apr 30, 2008

khuws

Discussion Starter · Apr 27, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

Hi
I'm thinking of constructing my own track for my new N-gauge project. Does anyone know where I can purchase the components? Preferably in the UK.
Thanks
Keith

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QUOTE (khuws @ 27 Apr 2008, 21:06) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi
I'm thinking of constructing my own track for my new N-gauge project. Does anyone know where I can purchase the components? Preferably in the UK.
Thanks
Keith

Hi

Sounds like you are a brave soul if making up track is a first for you, i presume from your posting you are intending making the track from scratch to do so takes a high degree of skills in variuos fields.

A better alternative would be to use available track from for example peco in OO or N gauge using code 80 or the finer code 55 points in N gauge combined with flexitrack i have built a good layout which can be tailored to fit most applications especially if flexi track is used, electrofrog points give a more realistic appearence and better operating.

One essential piece of equipment is a pair of trackcutters designed to give a clean crisp cut to the track and pay for themselves in no time.

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mikeg

· #3 · Apr 29, 2008

The only two places that I know of that do rail packs are Peco and Marcway, marcway also do sleeper strip and pre-cut sleepers. I personally do not think that it,s worth making your own track for N unless you are going to work to the 2mm assoc; standards.

hope this helps

regards

mike g

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khuws

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 29, 2008

Hi
Thanks for your comments. I haven't yet made a definite decision regarding hand made or ready-made track. I'm thinking of trying just a short stretch of hand laid track before plunging into a full layout. I've seen some websites (and C. Freezer's book) that say hand-laid track is not as difficult as it may seem and can be quite 'therapeutic'.
I haven't checked Marcway before and know that Peco do the sleepers but not the rail. 'C&L finescale' sell the components for 4mm and 7mm but I can't find anything for N/2mm.

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alastairq

· #5 · Apr 29, 2008

followingon from mikeq's suggestion...why not contact/join the 2mm Association?

they cater for those into N gauge, as well as other masochists.

they will be able to supply rail....code 40, I believe it is..plus I think the general trend is copper-clad sleepers?

Track and pointwork isn't REALLY so hard as it seems......it's all in the gauges and jigs?

I believe things like crossing vees, etc can be had pre-made.....soldering these days is a simple artform, made easy with modern solders, fluxes, etc...

try here... http://www.2mm.org.uk/

that 9F looks better than Bachmanns....and it's a fraction of the size?

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khuws

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 29, 2008

QUOTE (alastairq @ 29 Apr 2008, 20:22) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>followingon from mikeq's suggestion...why not contact/join the 2mm Association?

they cater for those into N gauge, as well as other masochists.

they will be able to supply rail....code 40, I believe it is..plus I think the general trend is copper-clad sleepers?

Track and pointwork isn't REALLY so hard as it seems......it's all in the gauges and jigs?

I believe things like crossing vees, etc can be had pre-made.....soldering these days is a simple artform, made easy with modern solders, fluxes, etc...

try here... http://www.2mm.org.uk/

that 9F looks better than Bachmanns....and it's a fraction of the size?

Thanks for that information. I've just checked the 2mm association and it seems that they do sell the rail components. I'm going to join and give the hand-made track a go.
Thanks again

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