| Society Publications | |
Newsletter and Prototype, from Issue 1 (June 1969) to Issue 47 (October 1986)
Download the Prototype index as an Excel file.
Precision, from Issue 1 (September 1970) to Issue 10 (September 1975)
Index of Precision articles (html). or download as an Excel file.
When opportunity permits we will add scanned copies of these publications to the members' archive.
The range of Protofour track templates was quite comprehensive, some have not re-appeared in more recent ranges, as an example here is a 3-way turnout. Its a bit scruffy after 33 years in my files and I have added some mm dimensions in case you want to try and print it to the correct size.
The Protofour Manual
This page details the manual
sections issued with comment in italics on their current usefulness, just my opinion!
Keith Norgrove
(Click on section titles to see the manual, note the originals have headers on every page, to keep file sizes down I have omitted these except for the first page of each section.)
Section 2. Standard Dimensions
2.0 Protofour and Preferred Proto-Ratios.
2 pages, The tables of standard dimensions for P4 and for P160, P120, P87, P64, P45 and P32.
Essential data but the choice of scales for some of the gauges was flawed, hence 2mm fine, 3mm and S7 have succeeded and not the P160, P120 and P45 suggested. Although P87 is now showing some development and there is at least one modeller in P45.
Section 4. Instruction Leaflets
1 page, A basic intro sheet.
Concept still valid, detail and references out of date.
4.1.1 Introduction to Layout Building.
17 pages, 3 pages of discussion on choice of scales, standards, prototypes etc. 14 pages of a bibliography of useful magazine articles
Good basic advice, magazine articles from 1954 to 1972, would still be good reading but getting hard to find!
2 pages, use of 1/4 size templates for planning.
Pre-printed templates no longer available, method could be duplicated with photocopies, but PC drawing programmes now give better methods.
4.1.3 Construction templates and Jigs
5 pages, Introduction to the use and adaptation of templates for track construction.
The introduction to the classic Brook Smith method. As valid as ever, the methods have lasted 30 years and are still an excellent choice.
4.1.4 Tools for Track Construction (Issue 2)
6 pages, Details, with photos of the press and tooling for the Brook Smith method.
Issue 2 includes Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 tools, issue 1 was Mk1 only.
4.1.5 Gauges for Track and Wheels (Issue 2)
8 pages, Full instructions with photos on the use of track construction and wheel gauges. Covers Mk1 and Mk2 types.
Mk1 are still available from the S4 Society and are the best in my view, Mk2 are still available from Exactoscale.
9 pages, Still the definitive instructions on the Brook Smith method. (Ply and rivets, soldered).
4.1.7 Track Laying, Weathering and Detailing
6 pages, Covers underlay, ballasting, weathering and use of Mk1 TOU and switch blade gauges.
Mk1 TOU no longer available but can be home made, other advice mostly valid.
15 pages, 7 pages of notes and techniques, 8 pages of diagrams.
Techniques for wiring connections worked but are a lot of work, simpler techniques are equally good in my view. Diagrams are clear and a good guide to insulated joint positions. For traditional block control schemes care is needed as block sectioning is not indicated. For the new DCC they are spot on.
4.1.9 This section was expected to be on control systems, it is referenced in 4.1.8 but is not known to have been issued.
4.1.10 Baseboards and Baseboard Joiners
2 page instruction sheet on use of pre-made board joiners.
Specific Instructions, obsolete.
4.1.11 Wire and Rail bending operations
2 page instruction sheet on the use of the P4 bending tool.
Good if you have the tool, which is especially useful for rail built buffer stops. Would be fairly simple to make a similar tool.
4.1.12 Rolling Stock Components
17 pages, How to use wheels, W-irons, etc including various types of compensation systems.
Still useful information although the available parts have evolved somewhat.
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