I'd really like to learn more about laying my own track and building my own turnouts. Are there templates for turnouts? Any good threads on this topic? Where and what to buy etc. Any help or a point in the right direction is greatly appreciated.
Marc
I would suggest you begin with the Detailing Track book by Mike Cougill. It is a very well written and informative look at the process of handlaying track and a switch, plus incorporating so many of the details that really make our trackwork pop if you decide to use them. Now Mike is a P48 guy but that doesn't change anything about the process or steps if you will. Also you can go to the Fasttracks website as they have downloadable and printable templates, they are pretty good and free. Also Fasttracks has jigs that you can order, they are usually made to order I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong) but they are pricey. And they have a ton of other things for hand laying.
You can make your own ties or order them from Kappler. I have hand layed 90% of the track on my layout and over 20 switches ranging from #5 to #10's. I have purchased all of my rail, tie plates, joint bars, frogs, points, spikes, throw bars and guard rails from Lou Cross at Right O' Way. Lou does not have a website, he deals over the phone and is a stand up guy...one of the best folks to talk with and his products are top shelf in my book. This by no means is everything out there but hopefully it will answer some of your questions and get you started. You could watch my videos that I have done on handlaying if you like, that may help as well.
