Yes, i had to redo one turnout, because the crossing /wing rails were too close and caused a short circuit.Dave S wrote: ↑Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:55 pm I've spotted your cunning plan saving time and money by substituting many copper clad sleepers with alternative, lower cost and less soldering.
I tried this 50 years ago. Like you I had to cut/insulate sleepers on points with a craft knife.
For straights I made a jig about 3 feet long with a steel edging strip screwed down and many plastic spacers glued in precise position.
An Uncle was a tool maker at British aerospace and kindly made a guage for me (OO).
I made a complex points intersection and several straights, before realising it was taking too long and solder cost was substantial so aborted ifo peco track.
I can't remember if the fine track (finer than peco 100) would have meant I'd have trouble with the wheel flanges being too big and may have to be replaced. I was also careful in picking my sample stock for testing, that the wheels were actually correct as there is variance.
I reccomend checking what you have thoroughly before doing more.
I've been thinking myself what theme to go for on mine - Logging/mining is a good one.
Dave
Since then I have tested them with all my locos and they work fine now.
I cut the insulation on the PCB boards with a dremel rotary tool, it only takes a few seconds per sleeper.
These are code 70 track, they should be OK with the loco and rolling stock I have for the layout.
