Thanks to last week’s significant benchwork progress, I’m now ready to start converting my kraft-paper sketches for the Southern Pacific Hacienda Branch into roadbed, ties, and rail. For this layout, I’ll be trying something different than what most modellers do…
Proto:48 is often described in terms of more accurate wheel and track profiles. I tend to think of it as a philosophy that governs everything from the railroad’s physical plant to the slice of world around it. But track is certainly a critical component – and with rails at shoulder height, the investment in building well-detailed track will really pay off. Put simply, I’ll be able to see all that lovely detail – and will really notice if it’s not there.
Before I start down the road of realistic joint bars, head bars, back bars, bolted frogs, etc., I decided that I don’t want to built well-detailed generic turnouts: I want to try to replicate the practices actually used on the SP. Fortunately, I have the information…
For modellers, the Southern Pacific is one of the best documented North American railroads. I’ve collected several books on the Espee over the years – including this set of five books of common standard plans. Volume 2 features detailed drawings of SP Number 7 and Number 9 turnouts – exactly what I need.
I scanned the drawings, resized them to 1/4″ scale, and then printed them. Each turnout required three sheets, which I then cut and spliced together.
The SP drawings show only right-hand turnouts: I simply flipped the scans to create left-hand versions. They provide everything I need to know about building SP turnouts – including tie sizes, lengths, and spacing, and where to place rail braces and joint bars. I’m all set.
I even have most of the hardware…
When I first considered building a Proto:48 layout about 15 years ago, I acquired a bunch of parts form various suppliers. I found my stash and realized I have almost everything I need. I am missing two turnout kit, will need more tie plates, and don’t have any joint bars.
I’ve placed an order for the turnout kits plus joint bars and other parts with Jay Criswell at Right-o-Way. Jay’s done a great job of building up the company since taking it over several years ago from Lou Cross, and he’s great to work with. Proto:48 is a small community and Jay appreciates that those new to it must absorb a lot of information, so he takes time to answer questions and offer suggestions. My parts are already en route, too: That’s excellent service!
Meantime, I’ve ordered some roadbed material and as soon as that arrives I can get started on turning my scribbles into an operating layout. Exciting times indeed!
The Model Railway Show 