Very neat. Interesting about the limited wiring where you're foregoing the insulators beyond the frog since they're dead ends. I'd probably install the insulators before realizing they're not needed. 🙈 The manual under-the-table turnout control should be interesting. Most of the link or cable systems I've looked at seem both fiddly and wonky. But of particular interest will be how you surround this & the points with roadway. 🤯
I realized the frog juicer trick while working on my old layout. I maintain a rule that i only trust 1 railjoiner to pass on the power. So i use feeders every 3 sections. And a frog juicer is a feeder too! For the manual throw the need arises from 2 aspects. One being the fiddlyness to install a (manual) switch machine under the layout. Not looking forward to do that 100x. And second the cost. My idea is about 1/ 15th the price and probably takes the same amount of time to make and install. I might use a few of the bought ones for tricky locations though. For the trackwork in roadbed, I will test 1 hand made version, and 1 product that will take around 5 min to install (excluding painting).
well done; thankyou. if you inspect the Xuron cutter (new) the jaws do not "line up" perfectly. the offset is to promote shear (like bypass pruners). also note, there is a specific direction recommended for cutting (one direction for HO, a differing direction for Z. you will find it does make a difference. also, those rail cutters will be destroyed using them on "piano" wire. might i also suggest a nail "set" for affixing the ties ? they capture the nail heads and keep them from sliding off.
Thanks for pointing that out. I though the pliers where already worn out. Do note: I found a better way to lay track. I do not use nails aymore. Here is that update: ua-cam.com/video/MmrY3bWtfUs/v-deo.htmlsi=m4DnIzWFauUoR83S
Nice video! On leaving the last tie on to slip on the joiner. Have you tried filing a slight groove in the tie to help is seat just a little lower? I know you said you like the quirkiness of it. I look forward to more updates, keep it up man!
If I wanted to build a layout (One with tracks but no scenery just tracks like CraftyFoxe) Then would it be necessary to nail the track down? Like cant, I just stick it to the track bed (Like Cork and stuff)?
Yes you can use some kind of adhesive. A lot of folks use PVA or rubber cement. Some folks glue and nail. If you are not planning to ballast you defiantly want to hold the track in place somehow. On my old layout i only used nails as i want to reuse the track on the next layout. Its very easy to remove.
Very neat. Interesting about the limited wiring where you're foregoing the insulators beyond the frog since they're dead ends. I'd probably install the insulators before realizing they're not needed. 🙈
The manual under-the-table turnout control should be interesting. Most of the link or cable systems I've looked at seem both fiddly and wonky. But of particular interest will be how you surround this & the points with roadway. 🤯
I realized the frog juicer trick while working on my old layout. I maintain a rule that i only trust 1 railjoiner to pass on the power. So i use feeders every 3 sections. And a frog juicer is a feeder too!
For the manual throw the need arises from 2 aspects. One being the fiddlyness to install a (manual) switch machine under the layout. Not looking forward to do that 100x. And second the cost. My idea is about 1/ 15th the price and probably takes the same amount of time to make and install. I might use a few of the bought ones for tricky locations though.
For the trackwork in roadbed, I will test 1 hand made version, and 1 product that will take around 5 min to install (excluding painting).
well done; thankyou. if you inspect the Xuron cutter (new) the jaws do not "line up" perfectly. the offset is to promote shear (like bypass pruners). also note, there is a specific direction recommended for cutting (one direction for HO, a differing direction for Z. you will find it does make a difference. also, those rail cutters will be destroyed using them on "piano" wire. might i also suggest a nail "set" for affixing the ties ? they capture the nail heads and keep them from sliding off.
Thanks for pointing that out. I though the pliers where already worn out.
Do note: I found a better way to lay track. I do not use nails aymore. Here is that update:
ua-cam.com/video/MmrY3bWtfUs/v-deo.htmlsi=m4DnIzWFauUoR83S
Great video! Will serve me well as reference as I finish benchwork and start laying my flex and turnouts, thanks for sharing. Took notes!
👍🏻 see my latest videos for improved track laying techniques.
Gonna come back to this vid soon!
Good stuff, get cracking on your layout!
Some great tips 😊
Thanks Randy. I'm trying to keep it practical and easy for all to do!
👍👍👍great episode
Thanks Ron
Nice video! On leaving the last tie on to slip on the joiner. Have you tried filing a slight groove in the tie to help is seat just a little lower? I know you said you like the quirkiness of it. I look forward to more updates, keep it up man!
Let me try that.
If I wanted to build a layout (One with tracks but no scenery just tracks like CraftyFoxe) Then would it be necessary to nail the track down? Like cant, I just stick it to the track bed (Like Cork and stuff)?
Yes you can use some kind of adhesive. A lot of folks use PVA or rubber cement. Some folks glue and nail. If you are not planning to ballast you defiantly want to hold the track in place somehow. On my old layout i only used nails as i want to reuse the track on the next layout. Its very easy to remove.
Peco unifrog turnouts negate the need for any extra wiring mods whatsoever. Out of the pack, onto the layout and you're good to go!