Ron and Cid, A word about frogs, Cid asked about availability of frogs, they are (or were) available from BK Enterprises. They have complete turnouts ready to lay as well as frogs and switch points available seperately. The first several turnouts I laid were these kits. Then I copied their dimensions to build my own from rail. After a few of those, I realized that there ws no reason to restrict myself to #6 or #4 turnouts. I stopped even thinking about what # frog was in a turnout. Ron, you won't really need those jigs but they could help if you want an exact #6. Since prototype railroads never use a turnout that tight there's no reason other than adhering to a track plan to worry about the actual size you build. Here's what I do, I won't go into great detail but will answer any questions you come up with. I lay out my track centerlines and install homabed roadbed (similar to cork). These centerlines are drawn using a flexible strip of wood to connect tangents, it provides nice easements. For constant radius curves I use templates made by Arbour models a long time ago. For curved turnouts, I mark where the points should be and use the flexible wood to ease into the radius of each diverging route. Smoothly flowing lines are important here. With roadbed in place, I use a tie jig I made (details if asked) and glue down the ties. Now to actual laying: I start with the stock rails. The first length of rail is held in place and marked where the points will be, filed to accomodate the points. The other stock rail is done same way, both are spiked in place. The inside rails of the diverging routes which form the frog are next. File the side of each of these rails so they can be put together and form a point. The angle is not critical. Use three point gauges to hold these rails in gauge with the stock rails. Use an NMRA gauge to determine where the point of the frog will be by checking the gauge from the point of the frog to the stock rails, when both stock rails check at the minimum gauge, that is where the frog will be. Mark the location, file as required for fit (don't worry about perfection here, but round the top of the frog point so it won't catch track cleaners.) At this point you also file the railhead off the inside of the frog rails. construction of the points follows. After that, the frog is filled with solder and flangeways cleared with a piece of hacksaw blade. I have left out info a first timer would need but will answer any questions. Ron, I figure you know the rest.
Gary