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Fast Tracks Videos

Welcome to our complete library of information videos. You are welcome to post and share any of our videos on your own website or blog.

All of these videos are also provided on the DVD that is included with your Fast Tracks order.

For even more videos, check out our new "After Hours Modeling" video series where you can watch Tim Warris build trackwork in a more informal setting.


Video Clapboard

The Basics

These videos demonstrate the basic skills you will need for building trackwork with Fast Tracks tools.

There is also an excellent video that explains how the NMRA track standards actually work. While an understanding of the NMRA track standards is not necessary to build great running trackwork with our tools, the NMRA video provides an excellent overview of the NMRA standards and how track switches work.

Soldering Basics
Soldering Basics  
This video provides information about the tools and supplies you will need for soldering trackwork, how to take care of your tools and how to get the most out of them. Tim Warris also demonstrates basic soldering techniques.
Soldering Techiques
Soldering Trackwork Using Acid Based Flux  
Tim demonstrates how to solder trackwork in a Fast Tracks assembly fixture using acid based solder flux and small diameter solder with a 35 watt pencil tip soldering iron. Watch the entire video for valuable tips to ensure soldering success.
Soldering Techiques
Soldering Trackwork Using SuperSafe Flux  
How to solder trackwork in a Fast Tracks assembly fixture using SuperSafe solder flux. SuperSafe flux is a very low acid flux that is less corrosive than regular acid paste flux, but does require a bit of extra skill to use.
The Care & Use of Files
The Care & Use of Files  
A detailed description of all of the different types of files that you typically use to build trackwork, with tips on how to use and get the most out of your files.
The Care And Use Of Rail Cutters
The Care & Use Of Rail Cutters  
Rail Cutters have a number of important features specifically for cutting rail for model railroading. They also require special care when they are used. Here are the details.
All About Rail
All About Rail  
Every wonder what all those rail code numbers (e.g., code 40, code 83) mean? Tim reveals all!
Using Pliobond With QuickSticks
Using Pliobond Adhesive To Glue QuickSticks  
Pliobond contact cement is ideally suited for fastening QuickSticks wood ties to trackwork constructed using Fast Tracks fixtures and tools. This video demonstrates how to use Pliobond to create a permanent bond.
How The Frog Point Works
How The Frog Point Works  
There is a great deal of mystery and misconception about just how a frog point actually works. This video reveals all!
Demystifying The NMRA Standards
* Demystifying The NMRA Standards Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4  
Used, abused, misused and just plain misunderstood, the NMRA standards have been unjustly blamed for many of the problems modelers have had over the years with with poor operating trackwork, where in fact the standards actually hold the key to building layouts that run both smoothly and reliably.
* The Demystifying The NMRA Standards video is provided for modelers who want to learn more about how the NMRA track standards work. The information provided in this video is not needed to build great running trackwork using Fast Tracks tools.


Using Fast Tracks Tools

Our complete library of videos that describe how to use each of the tools that we currently offer.

The BullFrog Manual Turnout Control
An Overview Of The BullFrog Manual Turnout Control - Aug 16, 2009 New Video!
Tim Warris provides a complete overview of the BullFrog manual turnout control, how it works, and the accessories that are available for it.
Building The BullFrog ManualTurnout Control - Part 1
Building The BullFrog Turnout Control - Part 1 - Aug 16, 2009 New Video!
This video provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to assemble the unassembled version of the BullFrog.
Building The BullFrog ManualTurnout Control - Part 2
Building The BullFrog Turnout Control - Part 2 - Aug 16, 2009 New Video!
This video provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to assemble the unassembled version of the BullFrog.
Building The BullFrog ManualTurnout Control - Part 3
Building The BullFrog Turnout Control - Part 3 - Aug 16, 2009 New Video!
This video provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to assemble the unassembled version of the BullFrog.
Hand Laying Straight Track With A Fast Tracks Assembly Fixture
Building Straight Track With Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures
Hand laying infinite lengths of bullet straight, hand laid track is easy when you use an assembly fixture. Here we show you how Fast Tracks straight track assembly fixtures makes it possible right at your workbench.
Hand Laying Curved Track With A Fast Tracks Assembly Fixture
Building Curved Track With Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures
Here we show you how Fast Tracks curved track assembly fixtures makes it easy to hand lay infinite lengths of perfectly formed curved trackwork right at your workbench.
Filing Frogpoints With The Fast Tracks PointForm Tool
How To Use The PointForm Tool To Build Frogpoints  
Creating super accurate frogpoints is made fast and simple with the Fast Tracks PointForm tool. Here is a detailed demonstration showing you how.
Filing Frogpoints With The Fast Tracks PointForm Tool
How To Use The PointForm Tool To Build SwitchPoints  
Creating perfectly fitting switchpoints is made fast and simple with the Fast Tracks PointForm tool. Here is a detailed demonstration showing you how.
Building Straight Frog Points
Using The Frog Helper To Construct Straight Frog Points  
This video demonstrates how to construct perfectly formed frog points using the Frog Helper tool.
Building Curved Frog Points
Using The Frog Helper To Construct Curved Frog Points  
The Frog Helper tool can be used to build frogpoints for both straight and curved switches. Here we demonstrate how to build frogpoints for a curved turnout.
PC Board Switch Ties
PC Board Switch Ties  
Switches built in Fast Tracks assembly fixtures are soldered together using PC Board ties. This video demonstrates how the PC Board ties are used.
Pre-Gapped PC Board Crossties
Pre-Gapped PC Board Crossties  
We offer a complete line of pre-gapped, PC Board Crossties for building straight and curved trackwork. Pre-gapped PC Board crossties have a number of important features that are described in this video.
Bending Rail With The Rail Roller Tool
Bending Rail With The Rail Roller Tool  
Bending rail into long smooth curves for curved trackwork can be challenging. Our Rail Roller tool makes this difficult job incredibly quick and easy.
Using The 'Last Spike' Spiking Pliers
Using The 'Last Spike' Spiking Pliers  
Fast Tracks spiking pliers are unlike any other spiking pliers you can buy today. Here is what makes them different and more practical for spiking rail.
Straight/Curved QuickSticks
Finishing Straight/Curved Track With QuickSticks - May 1, 2009 New Video!
QuickSticks wood ties offers the modeler a fast and easy way to finish straight and curved lengths of soldered trackwork in just a few simple steps. Here is how they work.
Building All Wood Trackwork with With TwistTies
Building All Wood Trackwork With TwistTies - May 1, 2009 New Video!
TwistTies are used to construct straight and curved trackwork without the need for soldering or an assembly fixture. Tim shows you how this all wood tie solution works.
How To Use The StockAid Tool To File The Stockrail
How To Use The StockAid Tool To File The Stockrail  
This video provides a detailed demonstration on how to use the StockAid tool to file off the base of the stockrail so that the switchpoints will fit tight against the rail.
 
Fast Tracks Filing Tools
An Overview Of All Fast Tracks Filing Tools  
We offer a number of different types of filing tools, including PointForm tools for Turnouts, 3-Ways, Crossovers, Dual Gauge and Slip Switches. This videos demonstrates the differences between each.

Using Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures

Step-by-step videos that describe how to build a turnout using a Fast Tracks Assembly Fixture, tools and supplies.


Preforming the Guardrails
Step 1 - Pre-Forming The Guardrails Using Assembly Fixtures
The first step to building a turnout in a fixture is to form the Guardrails. This video demonstrates how.
Pre-Building The Frog Points
Step 2 - Pre-Building The Frog Points Using Assembly Fixtures
Before we start building the turnout we need to form and pre-build the frog points.
Solid vs. Hinged Switchpoints
Step 3 - Solid vs. Hinged Switchpoints Using Assembly Fixtures
Switches can be built using using solid or hinged switchpoints. This video explains the difference between each and why we recommend solid points for fixture built switches.
Installing The PC Board Ties
Step 4 - Installing The PC Board Ties Using Assembly Fixtures
Now that the guardrails and frog points are ready, the next step is to cut the PC Board Ties to length and insert them into the pockets in the assembly fixture.
Preparing and Forming The Stockrail
Step 5 - Preparing and Installing The Stockrail Using Assembly Fixtures
We are now ready to to prepare and solder the Stockrails into place.
Preparing and Installing the Switchpoints
Step 6 - Preparing and Installing The Switchpoints Using Assembly Fixtures
Part 1 - With the Stockrails in place we can move on to building and installing the Switchpoints.
Preparing and Installing the Switchpoints
Step 6 (Cont) - Preparing and Installing The Switchpoints Using Assembly Fixtures
Part 2 - With the Stockrails in place we can move on to building and installing the Switchpoints.
Installing The Guardrails
Step 7 - Installing The Guardrails Using Assembly Fixtures
We are now ready to install the Guardrails that we formed in step one of the build.
Installing The Frogpoints
Step 8 - Installing The Frogpoints Using Assembly Fixtures
Next we are ready to solder the Frogpoints into place. In this video we also demonstrate how you can confirm that your turnout is NMRA compliant.
Installing The Throwbar
Step 9 - Installing The Throwbar Using Assembly Fixtures
Now we are ready to solder the Throwbar into place.
Cleaning The Trackwork
Step 10 - Cleaning The Trackwork Using Assembly Fixtures
Now that all the soldering is finished, we need to thoroughly clean off the flux from the trackwork. This video demonstrates the best way to do this.
Finishing With QuickSticks
Step 11 - Finishing With QuickSticks Using Assembly Fixtures
The last step is to finish the trackwork with QuickSticks wood ties. This video shows how fast and easy this step is.
Building Z Scale Trackwork With Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures
Building Z Scale Trackwork With Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures  
We offer tools to build trackwork for all popular scales - including Z scale. There are a few small differences when building Z scale trackwork.




If you prefer, you can watch all of the steps to build a complete switch all in one go here. Just start the video and it will automatically start the next step when the previous one is finished.

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