Straight N Scale Code 55 Straight Track Jigs For Hand Built Model Trains

thingiverse

*added a 150mm and 50mm version as requested* *also a joining jig / shim I had considered using that is 70mm and two ties* When I started to hand build my N scale model train layout my plan was to use aluminum jigs. In the process of making those jigs the middle step was 3D printed test jigs. They are no where near as strong vs the heat of a soldering iron as aluminum. If you have a small tip on your soldering iron and a steady, fast hand, these jigs last for many pieces. Don't hold the iron against the rails longer than needed or the plastic will melt. Removing the piece can then require cutting the melted plastic from the rails. I use a small flat screwdriver to sneak under some of the rails and then to push it deeper to leverage out the piece. Do this slowly as you can damage the piece and you have spend much time to get that far, so take some extra time to slowly remove the piece. You can watch two versions of this build. The full length normal time ASMR version without commentary is here: https://youtu.be/UU7vUtXGSaI The time lapsed edited version with my explanation is here: https://youtu.be/QiptofV8FLo The two tie beds are for 200x200 and 300x300 printer beds and the jigs labeled Short are for 200mm printer beds. The ends are designed to have standard lengths so all pieces will connect the same. You can download and print my Standard Ends Jigs from a week ago (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4935629). If you do not want to modify the tie beds, you can simply cut both sides shorter using two pieces and meet them in the middle of your track. That way each end will still have a standard ending. The two jigs are the same except that the Wide has a wider rail slot and the Narrow a smaller rail slot. The Wide also has a small tie cutting jig (but no gap cutter). You can also use the turnout tie cutter jigs I uploaded (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4918428). The slots marked S are for short ties - which are the same as the standard straight or curved ties.