Pete - I like your track gauge solution. I went with a different home-brew method using threaded rod and nuts…
Progress this weekend.
Got the rails for the for the first turnout shaped up to where I’m happy.
Some final trimming needed on the wing rails but I’ll do that once it’s on ties.
Laid up with gauge spacers in place.
Pretty happy with the frog. It measured out to be about a #7.5. The rails are curved through the frog rather than straight - should be ok as long as I keep a tight spec on the check gauge using the guard rails
Cheers
N
3 Likes
Tut, tut. Rails through the frog should be straight. Makes it much easier to get the frog to work?
Yes. I know… 
I’d bent everything up before I remembered to leave that bit straight.
Let’s see how it pans out. I’m gonna have to rely on the guard rails to pull the leading edge of the wheels across to the clear the frog.
Cheers
N
Probably will have no problems !!!
Second turnout bent up, closure rails on both turnouts filed and fitted. Time to see how much cedar I have in stock for ties. It’s not that easy to come by downunder any more… 
Cheers
N
Absolutely masterful turnout construction…dinning room table and all!
Your variety of tools and jigs to assist in gauging is a tribute to your quality work.
1 Like
Neil, if you ever open a pub in your basement or back porch, I think you’ve nailed the name:
The Bent Frog
And yes, gorgeous turnout work!!
Thanks Richard. Very kind words.
I thought I’d lost my mojo for building turnouts after my #5 & #6 marathon a while back. But the drag of creating all those tools, jigs and processes has made these two reasonably painless. So far… 
Cheers
N
Ha ha ha ha - absolute gold Cliff. You cracked me up completely! .
I have a friend who does stainless fabrication for a living and he’s been going on and on about getting a home brewery up and running sometime. Now you’ve solved the hard bit. How’s about this for the Bent Frog Menu
- Stock Session Pale Ale - 4%
- Winging it - 5% Pils
- On Guard - 6% APA
- Closure - 8% Dark
ok, how do I get a bigger beer… 
1 Like
I made a template to hold the ties while I routed out the bottom for backbone strips on the #5’s & #6’s, since I had a production line on the go. No such luck this time. I borrowed Pete T’s idea and pinned some battens to the top to hold things in place.
Then I flipped them over and used the router with a straightedge as a guide.
18ga brads & urethane glue for the backbones.
Then a slightly nervous removal of the top battens…
Some anti rot wood treatment just brushed on last night, now I have the long winter wait for the stuff to dry. Temps are generally swinging just above & below freezing at the moment so I guess I’m on pause for the next few weeks.
Cheers
N
2 Likes
I love the battens. I’ve always disliked the use of battens on hand laid track, but by recessing them you have resolved my objection to them. Well done!
1 Like
Ah man I wanna go to New Zealand now more than ever!!
Neil, I love your list!! Can I suggest some additions?
The Point Sisters - 4% hard cider + hard lemonade
Just Spike It - Hawaiian Punch, fruit bits and vodka
The Short #4 Frog - 11% double IPA (you’ll get to do some explaining with that one)
Ground Throw - ??% rum & not much Coke
And, echoing Jon, your recessed battens are amazing, I’ve never seen that done. Brilliant method with the router and straightedge!
Neil,
I have 6 more turnouts to make for my layout and I’m feeling the same lack of motivation. Just started the frog development aka grinding a few weeks ago.
1 Like
I’m right with you Craig. I wish I’d got a Spiker while they were still being made.
Cheers
N
Thanks Jon. Yeah the battens. I did the underhung style way back when, didn’t like them either but it worked ok 'cause I was using conduit & crusher fines for roadbed outside. The battens straddled the conduit and all was peachy.
I’ve had to figure out the recess thing with solid roadbed or it wasn’t going to work. Still surprised it works as well as it does!
14th New Zealand GR Convention next Jan Cliff. Just sayin’… Some of the drinks on our lists might or might not be consumed in the company of train nuts… 
Cheers
N
PS - warm spell coming this weekend, got the bases outside for a few days this afternoon.
How thick are you making the ties and battens? I might try this approach.
Ties match AML / Sunset Valley dimensions. 9.5 mm, (3/8"?) thick. Battens are 2.5mm, I just rip them on a normal table saw with a zero clearance plate.
It’s always a bit sad to see more sawdust from the kerf than the timber I have left…
Cheers
N
Yep. That seems to be the case. This small batch of timbers for a tunnel portal…
Begat this pile of sawdust…
