Posted By CliffyJ on 09 Feb 2011 04:33 PM
Yes, Bruce has been extremely responsive. I've been giving him a barrage of questions over the last few days, kinda like I do here, and he's been answering most of them. Which I'm very grateful for.
I guess what I'm trying to get used to is the idea of a more hand-crafted product, vs. the more mass-produced, machine-made (an over-simplification, but I'm not sure how to say it without ticking someone off). The Train Li turnout I have in my hand is very precision-looking and -feelling, with cast-in tie plates and carefully wired rails. The SC products are hand-spiked into composite ties, which (with their wood fiber content) might be susceptible to moisture over time. Don't know.
However, Bruce told me that his turnouts have been in service for 6 years. And from the pics, I really like the true guard rails (not cast plastic), and the obvious care taken with the spiking and soldering. Not sure though about his microswitches; he's really pushing battery-op, not a good indicator that he's worked those issues through, but obviously I don't know.
I'm thinking that I should stay with the DCC Proline switch machines, and use their aux contacts for power switching (which they say can be done).
Anyway, thanks for fessing up Greg about the engineer-thing. I too have, in my limited experience, felt the pain and confusion of LGB geometry, so my hat's off to you for going as far as you did. I figured that only an engineer would enjoy that process in and of itself, in order to be that exhuastive!
Along that line, I've concluded my Acad block creation of the SC turnout centerlines, and am looking forward to messing with my track plan this weekend to see what they (especially the curved switches) do to it.
Best regards,
====Cliff
It takes one to know one. I could smell it a mile away. Engineer by training here, also. Its good you have started all these threads, Cliffy. As you and I are in the same phase of building our outdoor empires. I have elected to go with battery for the simple reason that I do not want to clean track. One thing I can tell you is, since you have chosen to go with track power, you will have to clean the track at one point or another no matter what material you use. It is like "death and taxes", track power means cleaning track. As for the materials, I would try to match with what you are going to use for your turnouts. It sounds like the SC ones have nice construction to them.
You have spent a lot of time grading your area where your layout is going, dont "skimp" on the track. Afterall, it will be outside all the time and bad track will create a constant headache which will cause you to not operate your layout as much. Good track adds to your enjoyment of your hard work.
One last thing, I think I would steer clear of the "oil" trick that indoor people use. The outdoors is a dirty environment, adding oil to your rail will attract all sorts of things. Indoors you dont have to deal with that stuff, its a much more controlled environment.
