May I suggest a tip for people who aren't familiar with scratch building tracks and might wanna try out. Solder the rails in order from one side over to the other. For example: 1st stock rail, then its nearest closure rail, then the frog (while checking gauge to the 1st stock rail), then the other closure rail (also check gauge to the 1st stock rail), then the 2nd stock rail (while checking gauge to the opposite closure rail). This makes it extremely easy to keep an accurate gauge because you can always make small tweaks to the subsequent tracks in reference to the track already soldered down before it. Also, invest in a good set of 3 point gauges if you wanna try scratch building.
Thanks, Andolik, for this comprehensive guide! Lots of useful tips and hints based on your experience.
May I suggest a tip for people who aren't familiar with scratch building tracks and might wanna try out.
Solder the rails in order from one side over to the other. For example: 1st stock rail, then its nearest closure rail, then the frog (while checking gauge to the 1st stock rail), then the other closure rail (also check gauge to the 1st stock rail), then the 2nd stock rail (while checking gauge to the opposite closure rail). This makes it extremely easy to keep an accurate gauge because you can always make small tweaks to the subsequent tracks in reference to the track already soldered down before it. Also, invest in a good set of 3 point gauges if you wanna try scratch building.