Looking for needle, have a haystaack?

bill pearce Feb 26, 2020

  1. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    I read a post on this list about prototype track. It referenced an HO scale finescale track site that was now offering N products. I've searched to no avail. I've tried Google to no avail (Google is fast on the path to worthlessness. When I search for something the first page or two are just various people that want to sll me something, related or not.)

    CAn anyone help?
     
    Doug Gosha likes this.
  2. WolfWorks

    WolfWorks TrainBoard Member

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    Maybe proto87 is what you are looking for. Just google proto87 and n scale should come up with a link.
    I know it is sometimes hard to find.
     
  3. Maletrain

    Maletrain TrainBoard Member

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    I don't see anything on the Proto 87 site for us N scalers. But, there is an effort to make really nice looking N scale track and turnouts going on over at that "other forum" https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=48446.0

    Don't let the thread title (concrete ties) or the 18 pages (so far) of posts put you off. The effort has expanded to a full line of code 40 and code 55 wooden and concrete tie strips with scale tie plate and spike details, or clips, as appropriate, and work is ongoing to develop a similarly detailed array of turnouts.

    The only other thing remotely like that is the tie strips from Central Valley for code 55 rail: https://www.cvmw.com/nscale.htm Those have tie plate and spike details, but they also have a pretty high flange on both sides of each tie plate to align the rails.

    Both products require that rails be glued to the tie strips with something like Pliobond.
     
  4. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for. The Central Valley tie strips looked great, but if I couldn't do better ballast as in their photos, I wouldn't do it at all.
     
  5. tracktoo

    tracktoo TrainBoard Member

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    I am the guy doing the tie bed and RTR turnouts in code 40 and code 55 that was mentioned. I haven't announced the line as it's not yet complete but there is a pretty extensive running description of the development as linked above. The track is basically ready and the turnout fixtures are being finalized and machined as we speak. They are probably less than a month away and specific requests could probably be accommodated much sooner than the full release. Review that link and then send a PM if there's anything that strikes your fancy. It is some nice looking stuff and with detail options never before available. Things like like mainline tie spacing, branch spacing, siding spacing, and Code 55 to code 40 adapter pieces, etc. To envision the concept, think of hand laid track but without the need for gauges, soldering the PCB ties, and all with much better detailing. And the gauge holds to NMRA fine scale standards. It's worth a look if you're thinking of going for highly detailed, reliable running track. :cool:
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2020
  6. WolfWorks

    WolfWorks TrainBoard Member

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    Again with the proto87 you need to search say google for it and n scale the page does not show under the main site for some reason. I would post a direct link but I am unsure if that is ok
    My apologies if this is not allows http://www.proto87.com/N_scale_turnouts_and_track.html
     
    Rich_S likes this.
  7. umtrr-author

    umtrr-author TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, that is impressive!
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  8. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Direct links to manufacturer sites for products are always allowed. The RailWire link, above, was iffy, but we let it stand, since that thread has a lot of good info and discussion; we just don't normally want to direct folks away from TrainBoard for discussions
     
  9. MegaBlackJoe

    MegaBlackJoe TrainBoard Member

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    Do you have any experience with laying those tiny metal plates onto the wooden ties (Proto87)? Are they just glued together? Also is there a manual? And do you know how to contact the owner?
     
  10. WolfWorks

    WolfWorks TrainBoard Member

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    BNSF FAN likes this.

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