My first hand laid turnout

great job! Chris' videos are amazing! 

Awesome. 

very nice!

Well done!!! Yeah, Chris' videos are nicely done and the results are awesome! 

Great Job!...That is really nice.  Nothing like laying your own...  And you sure can't go wrong with Lou, he is just the best.  Thank you for the kind words, I am really happy to hear that the videos helped out.  Keep up the great work and please keep sharing the pics....again great job!

I like that #8 switch.....so long and so elegant.

How much did you end up buying parts from Lou, for that single switch? I have been toying with the idea of laying out my own turnout but never jumped into the water yet.

Thanks

Yves

It all looks fine to me!  Now you can go on to several more!  Chris (CWEX) certainly instilled confidence in the building with his informative videos.  Lou Cross is also a fine gentleman who takes very GOOD care of his customers!  Pretty cool stuff huh?!

Phil 

You're welcome Chris. And thanks everyone for the good comments! I appreciate them. Before I started I was sort of nervous but once I began it was a lot of fun and it was actually really rewarding in the end, I'm glad I did this. Yves, I bought parts for 2 turnouts and some rails just to try them out. The total came around $70, but I already had spikes and some rails so that's an approximate number. If you call Lou he will mail you a complete catalog of his products. I will definitely order more from him. Also, I have to say that a dremel came in really handy for this.

I guess there are two main secrets to building good track and switches.  1--Everything in gauge and some slight widening through curves as in the prototype.  And 2---Smooth FLOWING GEOMETRY!  I can't emphasize this enough from what I've learned.  Put your trusty eyeball down close to the track to check it.  Let me add #3---the satisfaction that you built it, and it works!

Phil

PS:  I once built an outdoor 1.5"=1' system with roofing nails for spikes (1:8 scale) system and flawlessly ran some long 12-car trains over 6-8' long hand-built switches.  It's all relevant.  Just think it through.

Well said Phil.  All very true indeed.

If you mean Lou, then no he does not.  You can contact him by phone at 559-665-1001 or write to him at 23682 Rd. 15 3/4 Chowchilla,Ca 93610

Nice turnout! Thanks for sharing pics.

Santiago,

This is a terrific deal for 2 turnouts of that quality and size. Try to buy a #8 on the retail market....if you can find one.....

I think I recognize the ballast made by Brennan, if I am not mistaken. I use the same one and really like it.

Please, post more pictures when you get a chance.

Thanks.

Yves

FYI to all,

Lou is leaving tomorrow for a ten day trip.  He should be back in the shop on Monday the 29th.

He shipped all orders he had in hand.

Jay

Thanks for the info Jay.....I need to place another order asap...