I'm in need of a 90 degree, and a 45 degree rail crossing in code 55 to match the M/T flex track. Anybody know of a manufacture? I checked Fasttracks, and the only handle turnouts. I have tried to make one, but have only accomplished a pile of waste, and more grey hair... Any suggestions? Thanks.:tb-wacky:
Any idea what code Marklin uses? Looking at woo woo woo the only Marklin crossing I can see is a 13 degree. Could they have other catalogs? Could there be any problem with mixing diffrernt brands of track? I'm assuming a shim if using plastic track.
If I remember correctly Peter Wright built a few prototypical crossings. You can contact him at peter@wrightturnouts.com Lajos
N2Z, you'll have to hand lay it. Nothing from Peter except maybe code 40 for Nn3. He's not going to make you 1 or 20 either as it is too costly, complicated and timewise for him to make. He needs 100's before he'll possibly invest in it. The crossings should be relatively easy if you glue the track sections on a base. Trim the rails to have the mitered joints, some soldered, some insulated. Build you gaurd rails (metal or plastic). Rail head width is quite noticeable between the Märklin and MTL but since your all MTL, you should be OK. Would look neat though with one being MTL and the other the larger Märklin. Height is virtually identical but Märklin mic's out a few thousandths taller and MTL's base is a few thou wider (that is why you can't use Märklin rail joiners on MTL flex as it splays them apart). I'm strongly considering one for an upcoming module. .
"The crossings should be relatively easy if you glue the track sections on a base. Trim the rails to have the mitered joints, some soldered, some insulated. Build you gaurd rails (metal or plastic)." Jeff, not so fast. Thre are a few issues with powering the crossing and make it metal wheel friendly. Here is a basic diagram for powered crossing design. Yes, it can be scratch built, but not really easy, especially if you want to make the rail tops shiny. Lajos
Not to be contrary, but to scratch building a crossing I am using the printable templates that Fasttracks has on their site for Z. http://www.handlaidtrack.com/z-crossings-c-11_97_157.php The templates also address the power routing. And if I have a hard time figuring out where to make a cut I use N or HO templates as an aid. Additonally, while Fasttracks may not have a Z specific jig, the Crossing Frog Point Grinding Jigs aren't scale specific, other than code, and should work fine and help you get the right angles. Just my non-expert observations, Paul
"And if I have a hard time figuring out where to make a cut I use N or HO templates as an aid." Well, I just printed out an HO scale template of a 45 deg. crossing. If you install this crossing into an 8 configuration, there is a wonderful, smoking short. Lajos
There is a guy in Germany who can build whatever you want. He use also Fasttrack and Handmade Jigs. http://www.weichen-walter.de/produkte/z-weichen/index.html
N2Z, I've seen Walter's track up close at several Z shows and it is very impressive. I agree with Jürg that Walter would be the right man to custom make this crossing. John
