Z Scale Turnout Numbers

Im thinking of replacing the MTL turnouts on my layout with handlaid ones. I can't remember whether the Microtrack turnouts are #4s or #6s. Does anyone know?

They are #6.

Rob

I've just built my first #6 turnout using a Fast Track fitting. Easier than I expected.
Had a little trouble with 1 or 2 of the PCB ties which can de-laminate if you get them to hot but not bad.

Ok, so I downloaded the Fast Tracks Template for a #6 turnout, and to my dismay, I've discovered that the diverging route radius on a fast tracks turnout is 17", while MTL's is 490mm which works out to 19.6" radius. Im wondering if anyone else has experience changing out turnouts of their own and if so, did you have to make a lot of modifications to the fast tracks turnout or existing trackwork to make it fit?

I think your'e always going to have problems matching FT turnouts to propriatory track, especially "set" track.I'd planned to use Peco code 60 Flex track but the difference in height between the FT turnouts and the tracks is causing me to re-think that. Added to this the non prototypical tie spacing on Peco track looks weird alongside the FT Quickstick turnout ties.
My money would be on Fast Track to be more "in scale" than any set track so unless your going to go completely hand built you may have to accept a little compromise in the track laying. It may mean you'll have a little "bodging" to do where the set curves connect to the turnouts to maintain the geometery.

Well, Im using MTL flextrack, most of which has already been laid. Now that the track is down, I realize that some sort of transition is necessary between the flextrack and the turnouts themselves due to the difference in rail height. (you would think they would be a closer match.) My long range plan was to build my own turnouts and change them out one at a time, adding slow motion switch motors, realistic looking roadbed, etc. I guess I'll have to live with the uneven trackwork in the mean time.

Let me add my 2 cents. Would it be possible to use a Dremel tool and file the end of the PICO track so there is not so much of a height issue and that would also remove the bump between the track. This is just a thought and I have never tried anything like this myself.

Robert

On Z Trains, the last Z Basics article discussed mixing track brands and the height issue. Here is the link:
www.ztrains.com/basics/mix/mix.html

Jerry

CRAZ13 wrote:

On Z Trains, the last Z Basics article discussed mixing track brands and the height issue. Here is the link:
www.ztrains.com/basics/mix/mix.html

Jerry

Looks good. What code is MTL flexi-track?
The fast Track turnouts would be even easier to shim up as the difference between code 55 Fast Track and the code 60 Peco rail is only a fraction of a millimetre.
The weird tie spacing is more of a problem. I had a go at cutting my own Quick Stick turnout ties on the laser cutter with some sucess perhaps I could cut some using similar tie spacing to Peco track.

MTL flex is code 55.

cnz4956 wrote:

MTL flex is code 55.

So the only difference might be the thickness of the ties. This can rectified with card stock shims.

TailUK wrote:

cnz4956 wrote:

MTL flex is code 55.

So the only difference might be the thickness of the ties. This can rectified with card stock shims.

I'd recommend styrene. Cardstock will create problems when ballasting.

I'm not sure the difference is in the thickness of the ties, but in the plastic subroadbed. The article mentions using a shim under Marklin to get it up to MTL bed. The same size shim may work under MTL flex.

The Walthers roadbed comes in 3mm & 5mm thickness. something may be useable there?
also, Midwest Products makes foam sheets with 3mm, 5mm, 10 mm thickness. It may be possible to cut a sheet to fit your needs? Could also be a way to shim buildings if you need to match a door with a platform?