... making the switch blades until the stock rails are in place. You can then try clipping them against the stock rails and filing the planing until they seat all along and align correctly at the stock gauge position to give the correct track gauge. Another point to remember is that switch blades also need a slight set (bend) at the end of the planing, so that the filed front running face lines up with the plain rail beyond. Do this before curving the curved switch blade. Here's a quick sketch of that: 2_301147_340000000.png More diagrams and notes about all this at: http://templot.com/companion/real_track.php Curved turnout: For a curved turnout the procedure is essentially the same, and it's a good idea to prepare the stock rail first as if it was for a straight turnout. The difference is that the dead straight section should then be curved to match the outer radius for the turnout. In other words the orange-coloured sections on the diagram above are all either straight or all curved to the same radius. The smaller ...