OK, it's in the mail and you've got the tracking number in your inbox. Anxious to see how you like it!
Here's a progress photo showing the first of several sizes of Nn3 (Z too) Code 40 RTR turnouts. What's in the picture is the tie bed with several pieces of scrap Code 40 rail installed to check general assembly fit and gauging of rails and guard rails as well as a turnout bed without rails, a length of Code 40 assembled track that the turnout will mate with, and the smallest Rokuhan turnout as removed from my test board. The fits are excellent! This one is really small and intended for narrow gauge 4 wheeled locos and rolling stock (@randgust ). Planned are #4, #6, and maybe #8 or larger depending on demand. I'm also considering stub switches including 3-way for narrow gauge stuff. It's part of completing the whole Code 40 track system for Narrow Gauge as well as Code 40 Z, which will require only a change to tie spacing. Next step, when I get back from my vacation, is to complete any detail adjustments and then make the fixtures for accurate machining of the frog parts, point rails, etc. Accurate machined components will make for a very smooth running, repeatable turnout, akin to those hand laid (properly) with fixtures. It also affords very pleasing prototypical appearance. I am still working on automatic operation and frog powering with manual operation. This turnout is equivalent to the Rokuhan 55mm Z, Code 60, molded tie bed turnout. You'll notice the extra length which was done to help make laying track easier but at each end the last two ties run straight and can be be trimmed for super tight installations or to duplicate the Rokuhan laying length dimensions. I chose this turnout for my first because it's very applicable for my narrow gauge mine track applications but also because it is the hardest one to make due to the diminutive size but especially because it's radiused (4 1/2"+) through the whole diverging route requiring the frog to have a radius on that leg. The Rokuhan uses straight point rails and frogs causing abrupt direction changes at each of those points and is part of the reason they are bumpy running as well as cosmetically lacking. Due to the design and precise execution trains should glide through these turnout designs quite nicely. More to follow!
That sample piece of track is awesome and it’s just what I need for my “micro” mining layout. Looks a heck of lot more prototypical for Nn3 than the Atlas Z track beside it. Here’s a pic I took tonight just for fun.
Update post about Rokuhan turnout adapters: When making the Rokuhan turnout adapters I had only the smallest one, the 55mm, and found it needed a standard Rokuhan adapter at the turnout entry but the diverging routes had molded in guides at the center two rails and standard pockets to accept standard Rokuhan slip in guides at the outer two guide pockets. That requires simply sawing the molded in guides off flush with the base using the base as your guide. Very simple and is what is pictured here. What I have since discovered is that all of the other Rokuhan turnouts and track pieces have dual guide pockets with removable guides at each connection point so therefore only need the adapter pictured at the right for all other Rokuhan to Code 40 track adaptions. If you are familiar with Rokuhan turnouts of any size or review their catalog descriptions, they furnish a piece of track with the turnout that has the tie bed beveled on one corner so they are able to tuck in closely to the turnout without interfering with the adjacent tie bed. Utilizing three of the adapters pictured at the right, the one on the through route will require an easily filed angle prep to clear the adjacent bed and as indicated by trial fitting for each different turnout size. Therefore, all necessary adapters to mate Rokuhan products to this MTG Code 40 Tie bed are currently available. Installation instructions and/ or a video should be made to include details to assure successful installations but the designs and hardware exist. Review the example installed pics earlier in this thread as well as Rokuhan's catalog information for additional understanding of the possibilities.
I was nearly all set to buy the Nn3 Fast Tracks jigs,but this is interesting for sure & a big time saver too. Im keen for some more info too.
I have been extremely busy with many projects, this one, motorcycles, making a small benchtop injection molding machine (very near completion) triggered by this project (for some small mechanical parts related to track/ turnout accessories), and finally household. Then there was the two months out of town. Z and N track have been ready for some time as well as Rokuhan turnout and track adapters as outlined above. Turnout tooling is still in the works. Specific needs could be requested in a PM and I could answer those with some accuracy. Some priorities could change based on those needs. There have been a few orders, track and N scale concrete ties especially, but not a lot of activity beyond that so it's what gets put on the back burner when other interests/ projects appear. I think it's nature. I'd really like to be working on the train things so, got a project? Send a PM.
Understand the bike thing, have 2 RD350LC's,7 RZ350's,VFR400,Victory Magnum & after tomorrow, maybe an 08 Ducati 1000 monster, plus the Sn3 lol. Pm sent .....
