Darrell's Comment, Part 2

This is in response to Darrell's comment on my response to his August 17 comment (I hope that makes sense!).

First of all, Darrell, I appreciate your observation about eyesight! I wear trifocals, which help with close work, but I still occasionally take off my glasses for really close work; it's one time when being very nearsighted helps!

As far as the use of a ruler in turnout construction, I guess it's more of a double check than anything else, mostly to make sure the gauge throughout the turnout is within tolerance. And, of course, to make sure there's a slight widening of the gauge at the toe of the points, etc. I think I probably take much more time than I need in constructing turnouts, but I will say the result is smooth running, so I guess it's all working out. I've found what really is important is making sure the gauge is proper in the straight sections of the diverging path; that is, at the points and through the frog. I find if I get that right, the curved portion of the diverging stock rail tends to line up accurately.

I so far have built only standard turnouts, with the exception of a curved turnout experiment a couple of layouts ago that was a so-so success. I am considering trying that again...just considering, at this point. If I were really brave, I guess I'd think about a three-way turnout, which I've found intriguing ever since I saw a prototype example in a Portland, Oregon industrial area.