Scratch Built Turnout from Flex Track, HO Scale

[@johnpadams8079]

I design and build products for a living. I really like your presentation and think your build quality is surprisingly good ! However, my time is worth more than $15 per hour and this took you way more than 1 hr. If you are retired and have no money to buy multiple turn outs, your video is really helping them. Your music is very appropriate by the way. Not distracting or irritating. I think you are a talented guy. That’s why I have subscribed. 😊

[@captainboing]

very good - this also opens up the oportunity for customised junction that don't follow the "set track" pieces, cross-overs with odd angles etc.

[@tonyromano6220]

14:12 wow I love the 90degree point to throw bar. Back when I used tiny screws and tapped the throw bar, with tiny flat brass.

[@kenvandevoort7820]

This has been one thing I have dreaded doing, but need to do for a NMRA Achievement Certificate. I am getting closer to trying it.

[@rgetty]

Thanks for taking the time to show us how it's done. I'm planning to scratch build a monster #10 curved turnout with some special considerations and your video helps me feel a bit more confident I will succeed.

[@johnnyrailer]

Wow this is awesome man! Im looking to be hand laying my turnouts and track. You helped me out alot with the frog. Thanks for sharing. Hope to see more videos from you soon.

[@BuhdaPunk]

Sorry another 2 cents, When I file the frog point and such low RPM on the Dremel. Small cup cool water and a pair of Hemostats. Clamp the Hemostats near the grind point they will leach the heat, dip in cool water every few second to keep them from over heating. tempering may make them brittle as well as warping. I think using a jig with a hand file works pretty well. Great video!

[@BuhdaPunk]

Don't know if anyone suggested. Once you cut your PCB you can just put a dab of PCB etching solution in the middle of the tie and let set for a few minutes, rinse in water or damp paper towel. just watch a couple of pcb etching videos. You can find the etching solution just about anywhere. There even video online for making the solution with house hold chemicals Great video, Thanks

[@leonardosouza6290]

You acquire + one follower. Greetings from 🇧🇷 Brazil

[@panamafred1]

Okay, I'll be next + one subscriber. Greetings from Panama! Thanks. You convinced me that I can do this!

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

It’s easier than it looks. Just take your time and measure it out.

[@panamafred1]

@@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3 Patience and persistence. Key to so many things in life! Thanks.

[@canyonpast]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I did really enjoy that! Over the years, I've done Kit Turnouts from various sources, did a few FastTracks Turnouts (NOT exactly a bargain alternative!!)... But have never Scratchbuilt one. Might be worth a try!! 😉 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@tonyromano6220]

You easily could.

[@phil36310]

Hi, Great tutorial - I learned a lot. Thanks for sharing. Liked the music too. Adds a nice beat to your work efforts ! Greetings, Filip

[@amandahugankiss4110]

This builds my confidence. Thank you!

[@spbloodynose]

Great how to. Thanks for sharing

[@tonyromano6220]

Very clever method.

[@nedmerrill5705]

Real model railroaders build their own turnouts. I build my own in N scale. i had trouble with some bulk PC board in that the copper cladding was too weak. I will try your supplier if he's still available. Thanks.

[@tuftyterror983]

Very I informative! I’m not currently building a layout but I would love to jus tint enough space, I was just wondering how you would make your own turnout

[@rs6383]

Good video, I will give it a whirl. Thanks

[@Zzo1tan]

Brilliant video can’t stop watching, could the same method be used on a curved turnout?

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

I can’t see why not. :)

[@Zzo1tan]

KB02 and The WhistleStop Railroad thanks for that

[@3006USMC]

This is cool... I just might have to do this. SUBED

[@michaelmercurio1669]

Could this be done with a triple, center, one right, and left? I run code 100. Haven't been able to find what size I need, with code 100. I used to have a template for that. Over 25 years, tissue paper is in multiple pieces. Thank you. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@garyforestier1118]

I don't understand how the upper point hinges

[@jeffycramy3463]

Where did you say you got the print out of the turnouts? I really want to try this. Thanks

[@andreyvoronin4296]

Молодец! Всё наглядно объяснил, хотя вашего языка не знаю!

[@robertravena]

Hi ,, really like your vid, but im wondering; do i measure the angle from the closure rail side or the frog side? i want to free build a #3 and you showed measuring from the closure rail side.. i drew my lines and measured for a #3 on the frog.

[@jeffbaker2897]

Awesome how to video, I have nothing but 100 code track in HO scale, can switch frogs be purchased in code 100 or will I have to shim a code 83?, what code size of track do you use? (Note : I have several hundred ft. of flex track in code 100). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks 😎👍👍👍🛤🚂

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

Hi Jeff Baker. Glad you liked it. I used code 100. 🙂

[@3006USMC]

Jeff Baker DETAILS WEST And others sell detail kits for switches with the frogs already made!! Just google it.

[@jeffbaker2897]

3006USMC thank you for the information 3006USMC will do, appreciate your help.

[@Zzo1tan]

Hi Bob, I’m in the UK and we don’t appear to have turnouts with a number, what does the number 6 refer to, is it something I can measure in order to get the correct angle for the frog? I’m still watching your video I think it’s great! Brian in UK

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

Brian Fielden, at 5:45 I do my best to explain the sizing. Basically, the number refers to the length, longitudinally, that it takes for a diverging rail to have moved one inch away from the stock rail.

[@Zzo1tan]

I appreciate that, thank you so much Bob. Brian

[@stevejones3838]

Is the PC board. .060? I believe that's 60 thousands

[@sunil-eagle]

What is the track material used,I am new to the hobby

[@laurensiemens1436]

Hi I always wanted to learn this step of trains but always thought it was above my reach but you explained it well thanks. Have you ever attempted "Y" turn outs?

[@tonyromano6220]

Any angles can be done, once one gets the method. It takes a few to make one right.

[@12b_engineer]

this might be a dumb question but I'm new to this. do you intend on putting sleepers across the whole of the turn out? why or why not? thanks

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

Yes. I slide little balsa sleepers right under the rails. A touch of white glue on the bottom of the sleepers is all it takes.

[@kenadams6234]

No bench grinder. Can you do this with just a dremel tool?

[@kb02andthewhistlestoprailr3]

Ken Adams, you’d be better off with a flat file and just slowly working the edges down. I don’t think I have the skill with a rotary tool, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

[@MichaelBrown-kk6ck]

You could also do this with a small belt sander (best with support bar behind belt to hold sanding belt steady). Dremel or something similar works well.

[@mpetersen6]

With the improving situation in Dead Rail operation the need to electrically isolate the rails will go away. Dead Rail is in my opinion the future as was DCC at on time

[@3006USMC]

I’ve been thinking about doing dead rail with my RAILPRO, then no need to isolate anything anymore !! Lol

[@MarkInLA]

The title of Vid is misleading...All the flex is for is obtaining the rails...Title sounds like flex pieces will be super-imposed on each other to make TO..You do a great job, but thumbs down for false impression of it...