Turnout Construction 


After getting the layout running, I've started back handlaying turnouts. 

Well, after getting the layout running (and having fun running something with my girls,) I've started back on handlaying turnouts. So far I've made three #8 turnouts. The first is for SE Junction and the other two are for the mainline crossover. Here's a picture of the completed turnouts laying in approximately the right positions.



Now my goal is to construct a set of 8 #6 turnouts. This will allow me to lay the mainline through Lindenwood Yard up to the entrance to the helix. Right now it is taking me about 1 hour 15 minutes to construct the "parts" for a single turnout and another 1 hour to solder it together. I usually can do one of those tasks in the evening after the kids go to bed. So for this next group of turnouts I decided to take a more "assembly line" approach. I'll make all the parts for all the turnouts. Then solder them up one by one. That way I'll keep my turnout construction skills sharp (though I think they need improvement anyways). So here's a photo of what I accomplished tonight. I've cut all the PC board ties to length for the group.



So far I've invested about 45 minutes. Seems like a lot of time to make ties, but I had to "set up" my station and bag and tag all the different lengths so I know which is which when I need them. 

Posted: Mon - June 6, 2005 at 10:32 PM          

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