Simon, Thanks for your email ...the 24 gauge wire as a conductor and hinge device is the best thing to come of the whole thread...
thanks gale hall ----- Original Message ----- From: Simon Parent To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2012 8:15 AM Subject: RE: {S-Scale List} Re: PC Switches I build my turnouts as per the typical US/CDN prototypes, This mean straight frogs and straight point rails. I use the NMRA flangeways and points standards. All my switches (any angle but most are number 8) starts with a straight 3.125" long point rails with app 2 degrees point angle (with the NASG point standard). To achieve the prototype look, I need to use hinges (shorten rail joiner) with a gage 24 flexible wire solder to the moving points and stockrail. It keeps contact continuity and help for alignment. You can see photos of the trackwork on my layout progress photo album https://picasaweb.google.com/102776764371882993501/LayoutProgress?authuser=0 &authkey=Gv1sRgCLaK1N3KseiRJQ&feat=directlink The room is climatised (and additional dehumidifier in the summer to keep moisture at 50% all year round since it is in the basement). I haven't been working on my layout for almost a year now, but run and switch the trains (over 10 to 15 cars at once) regularly and flawlessly through all the switch ladders back and forth. Like Ed and many others in this group, I have set my own "rules" and minimum standard in my construction method and stick with it. I think as long as your minimum standard respects the tolerance of the track and wheel standard you decided to choose (prototype, P64, NASG, NMRA, etc...) then it will work flawlessly. If your standard of construction methods are high, then it will also last for long time with minimum maintenance. Cheers Simon -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ed Sent: September-29-12 12:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: {S-Scale List} Re: PC Switches Ben....It is common for many folks to simply use a rail joiner as a hinge. The rails slide to & fro as the points move. With time, the joiner becomes worn and the track is not held in perfect alignment. With a misalignment, the flange can pick the discontinuity and a derailment is possible. With no hinge at all, this situation is non-existant. Ed L. > Ed, > Is this a known issue? > Ben Trousdale > > No hinge at all on my turnouts. No need to have one since the hinge itself presents an opportunity for the flange to pick at the joint (on a curve) and possibly derail. ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links
