OK, in the next few weeks I expect to start layout construction, so it's getting to decision time on track. I picked up a book over the weekend (I forget the exact title, but it was on trackside detail, by Kalmbach), and there was a chapter about hand-laying track. It SEEMS like something I could handle with a little practice (especially the turnouts), but has anyone actually tried it? I want to use foam subroadbed, if I put cork over that and glue down ties, will that be enough to hold the spikes? Or will I need to use homasote?
I'm considering this for a few reasons, first it SEEMS cheaper than buying good-quality turnouts (like Shinohara or Micro Engineering), and there's one place on my track plan where I could really use a curved turnout and those suckers are expensive. It seems easier to get exactly the track flow you want, and if anything goes wrong you know how to fix it because you built it!
Comments?
I'm posting this on Railroad-Line too, so if you already answered there no need to answer here!
Thanks!
I'm considering this for a few reasons, first it SEEMS cheaper than buying good-quality turnouts (like Shinohara or Micro Engineering), and there's one place on my track plan where I could really use a curved turnout and those suckers are expensive. It seems easier to get exactly the track flow you want, and if anything goes wrong you know how to fix it because you built it!
Comments?
I'm posting this on Railroad-Line too, so if you already answered there no need to answer here!
Thanks!