german vs US points/switches?

I would like to go to code 40 track and number 8 switches for the layout. So my intention is/was to get the Fast Tracks fixture for the points.

But AFAIK the fast tracks stuff is all US proto based. Now I wonder if that is going to be a problem once I start combining US points with european track.

Another thing is that fast tracks don't make the crossing and double slip fixtures. Does anyone have a drawing of a German crossing and double slip?

I don't see how this would be a problem as far as the points go. What is a bigger issue is the code 40 rail for the switches or points and then trying to marry this with code 55/60 marklin/Peco/Micro Trains track. Yes this can be done but it is a bit tedious to match the rail heights and this is a bigger problem.

Get the Fast Tracks fixture made for code 55 track and then you have a very minor mismatch between track sizes. There will be a difference in tie spacing but that is easily addressed whether you are using the sticks or not. I think you would be better off using the Wright switches if you are using European track ie. Peco/Marklin as the tie spacing and the rail height will match and they are equally as good operationally as the fast tracks ones if they are well made.

Code 40 while nice really requires you to hand lay the complete layout to get the benefit of using it for your switches. There is no code 40 flex around, but there is some code 40 track sections from Aspen Models/West Models.

That is my thought on the matter. I have the code 40 and code 55 jigs from Fast Tracks.

Havoc wrote:

I would like to go to code 40 track and number 8 switches for the layout. So my intention is/was to get the Fast Tracks fixture for the points.

But AFAIK the fast tracks stuff is all US proto based. Now I wonder if that is going to be a problem once I start combining US points with european track.

Another thing is that fast tracks don't make the crossing and double slip fixtures. Does anyone have a drawing of a German crossing and double slip?

The Fast Tracks jigs are not US/Euro differential as they do not have the ties included, only the "1 in 10" PC board tie. You can set the tie spacing to what ever you want. If you can get someone to laser cut the European tie template, less the PC bd locations, you would have what you need. I don't think it matters the the rail/points/frog be in the exacting Euro prototype locations/shapes.

Proto87's jigs however, do have US-only tie-templates so you can glue down an entire assembly.

OK, then I'll order one and see how that goes. Thanks for the info.

What is a bigger issue is the code 40 rail for the switches or points and then trying to marry this with code 55/60 marklin/Peco/Micro Trains track.

If the points turn out feasible then I'll go for code 40 for the visible parts.

Hi Havoc

if you want to use German switches/tracks with code 40, look
at the side of "Weichenlaterne" www.weichenlaterne.de/
He has only code 40 tracks in some fine radius (400 to 1000).
I use these tracks to build "Königzhausen". To use it as a flex, I fixwd some curve and straight together. But it is possible to buy a "flex from him. You must build it by yourself (he told me, the flex is only the ties (right word?) and one track on one side,
so you can made the radius if you want).

Ok if you want these equipment, you need some time (he made the tracks only as a hobby).

best regards
Jürgen

Beautifull what that man makes. I would need to make some changes to my plan as I used 1:8 now and he does 1:9. Won't be much of a change. But as he does also EKW and DKW in the same size it might be the best way to go. Thanks for the link.

Jürgen! Thank you for posting that link! Great looking track and turn-outs!

Hi Hovac

fine stuff, it is

But if you want to use it, you need a lot of space.

For example, my layout Königzhausen is 190cm/75, beginning and end with a turnout,
with Märklin tracks I need only 140cm.
On track 1 and 2 there is space for a loco and 6 personal waggons (12cm),
on track4 only for loco and 3 waggons!
So you can see, whats happend

If you want to plan with the tracks, ask Eckhart König for the prints of the different
tracks and turnouts.
My first "layoutplan" was made with paper prints
see here

The prices was 4 years ago:
a 1:9 turnout cost 30 Euro(as a Kit 20 Euro,weathered 35,-)
a crossover was 100,-
a straight with 45cm 7,50
The actually prices are a litte bit higher, ask him

That looks reasonable compared to the standard Marklin switches and what you get here. Until I started counting the switches I have in my plan... (take a look at Korntal: zcentralstation.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=57&func=view&catid=18&id=5207 ). But this will take several years so it's possible.

I'll ask for the paper prints to start piecing everything together. It's nice that he has that available.