|
MikeC
Administrator
USA
21584 Posts |
 Posted - 02/24/2004 : 09:58:26 AM
|
Moderator's Note: The following tutorial was originally posted by Lighthorseman in the Logging and Narrow Gauge Forum.
Here is a link to the original, unlocked topic
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5727
As requested by Mike C., here is a step-by-step pictorial of how I convert Atlas HO code 83 turnouts to On30. (Sorry that it took so long to get to, Mike.)
I went this route for two reasons.
One - The Peco On30 track is lovely, but I wanted code 83 rail, not code 100. Also, the ties are just too "perfect" for the backwoodsy feel I'm trying to get.
Two - I had loads of code 83 track and turnouts, and being a cheap fella, I wanted to use that up.
So, off we go.
Step 1 - Here are what I started with; rather than laboriously identify each item, I'll just include what I used in the picture.
Step 2 - I stripped some of the ties from the turnout, keeping some at the end to keep the rail roughly in gauge.
Step 3 - I flipped the turnout upside-down, and applied "Pliobond" glue to the bottom of the rails, being very careful not to glue the moving rails. (Points? Slidey-things??)
Step 4 - Back over goes the turnout, and ties are placed underneath. The Pliobond holds them in place, although not too well, but enough to start spiking.
Step 5 - Now it's time to start spiking. I use a small pair of pliers, although I've heard of spiking tools. (?) While spiking, it's important to keep the rails in gauge. I use the NMRA standards gauge, and for funsies, run a wheelset along the rail.
Step 5a - ......"Ow!"
Then, it's time to trim around the frog. Remember...X-Acto knives are sharp . Ouch. This is NOT how you stain the ties.
Step 6 - Sorry 'bout that. Now, the frog has been trimmed, and I do not try to file the bottom of the frog down to the level of the rail; rather, I notch the ties under it. Here they are, all fitted in, ready for spiking.
Step 7 - Well, we're getting there. The last HO ties have been removed, and the new ties spiked down.
Step 8 - Here are the before and after turnouts.
Step 9 - Now that it's been built at the "workbench" (kitchen table), it's time to install the thing on the layout. Here it is, glued down.
Step 9a - Once the glue had dried, it was time for my favourite part. The test run. Here it is.
The End...Then, all that's needed is a switchstand, a little ballast, and voila! A kitbashed On30 turnout.
 |
|
Forum Locked
Topic Locked
