Standard N Scale Model Train Rail Cutting Jig To Make Consistent Track Joints

thingiverse

When I started hand building N scale model train tracks I wasn't sure how I would be joining the various pieces and assumed I would solder them. Since I'm not 100% sure I want to keep the tracks the same I'm using joiners between the sections for now. Even if I was soldering the tracks it is much easier, cleaner and more accurate to use a standardized rail cutting jig. Behold the Standard Rail Cutting Jig! Watch a short video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/3W8gbSype_Q Using the last PCB tie as the reference this simple jig allows you to cut both rails to the exact same length every time. Hit the ends with a file - I count 5 strokes so it is always the same. Then you are ready to glue the rail skeleton to the sleeper ties. I will put my 3D printed tie beds up on Thingiverse in the next few months. You can check the proper rail lengths against a consistent track gauge by adding rails to the Track Jig with the one side offset. Keep in mind that this will be the master gauge that all your pieces will copy. So make sure it is proper. The Track Jig also makes a lovely train display - for a shunter as it is uploaded... Or use the one marked Long as a display stand. Perhaps it can inspire someone to make a first small piece of hand built track - that is how all addiction starts... I use Pliobond contact cement to hold the track skeletons to the printed tie beds. Had to order it from the USA into the EU as I couldn't find the same kind here.