burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hi all you knowledgeable guys, tell me what type of Track system is best to put for a layout, & including the best manufacturer of points for the same track system, I'm leaning towards the Peco code ???? so what's best, thanks in advance, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 irishthump Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I've just started a new layout and I went with Peco for all the points. I had some Hornby points on my old layout and I wouldn't touch them again! All my points are Peco Streamline Code 100 small radius and they are all Insulfrog. I know the purists will recommend using Electrofrog with DCC but if you run nothing smaller than a Bo-Bo you shouldn't have any track pickup problems. My track is about 90% Peco streamline Code 100 flex track,. I had some lengths of Hornby semi-flex that I saved from the old layout and I always found them fine so I'll use them in freight sidings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 I've just started a new layout and I went with Peco for all the points. I had some Hornby points on my old layout and I wouldn't touch them again!All my points are Peco Streamline Code 100 small radius and they are all Insulfrog. I know the purists will recommend using Electrofrog with DCC but if you run nothing smaller than a Bo-Bo you shouldn't have any track pickup problems. My track is about 90% Peco streamline Code 100 flex track,. I had some lengths of Hornby semi-flex that I saved from the old layout and I always found them fine so I'll use them in freight sidings. Forgot to mention my layout will be DCC, so I'm looking at Peco Flexi Code 100, & Electrofrog, & I'm hoping to be using as much a cross as is possible, meaning BoBo's, CoCo's, O-4-O's, O-6-O's, & whatever else I can run, no matter how long, or small,or should that be short !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 irishthump Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Forgot to mention my layout will be DCC, so I'm looking at Peco Flexi Code 100, & Electrofrog, & I'm hoping to be using as much a cross as is possible, meaning BoBo's, CoCo's, O-4-O's, O-6-O's, & whatever else I can run, no matter how long, or small,or should that be short !!! Well then Electrofrog might be your best bet. The 0-4-0's will give trouble over Insulfrog points. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Peco all the way, we've had no problems what so ever with it. Code 100 will allow absolutely everything to be run, especially those old triang engines, code 75 for the more newer stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 Peco all the way, we've had no problems what so ever with it. Code 100 will allow absolutely everything to be run, especially those old triang engines, code 75 for the more newer stuff. Thanks guys, now do's that mean it's not possible to run new stuff over Peco code 100 without problems or do's that mean you have to change wheels / bogies, ? thanks again, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 New stuff will run on 100 or 75 - older stuff will prefer100 - some really old wheels will argue even on 100. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 DiveController Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Paul, I'm considering Code 75 but the discussion on here will help you a bit regarding wheels etc http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/3484-Old-Dapol-amp-Lima-CIE-Wagons-on-Peco-Code-75-track Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Noel Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Peco stream line all the way. As others have said, if you are starting with newish rolling stock then code 75, or 100 if you want to run older hornby. If possible avoid set track as the wider track separation distance is aimed at the toy market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I once spent ages trying to get an old loco running on 100 to stop ticking - only to eventually find that the noise was not in the mechanism, but came from the flanges hitting the chairs.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Thanks guys, now do's that mean it's not possible to run new stuff over Peco code 100 without problems or do's that mean you have to change wheels / bogies, ? thanks again, Probably should have constructed my comment a bit better haha, all the new stuff will happily run on code 100 track, the problem only occurs when you try to run some older rolling stock on code 75 because it's a lot more finer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 For what ever reason I'm going with Code 100, do'nt know exactly why, I did see a layout in Dun Laoghaire & part of the the track looked great, especially the sleepers, looked so real, wood ! maybe just a feeling in my waters, or maybe it's the Jameson, ( wish the bloody hell I was putting my layout down right now !! ) I think I may have seen it on displays, etc. I'll be watching Kevin's development on his with the Code 75, anyway it's looking like when I get to putting it down, it will be interesting, some of my stuff is so long in boxes I do'nt remember just how old it is, thanks again guys, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Hope you don't mind me posting these but here's our exhibition layout and it features peco streamline code 100 track. Something to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Hope you don't mind me posting these but here's our exhibition layout and it features peco streamline code 100 track. [ATTACH=CONFIG]18921[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]18922[/ATTACH] Something to think about. Thanks DC, is that "streamline" different to code 100 ? it looks great, but I do'nt think it's the same as the track I seen in DL, Edited May 4, 2015 by burnthebox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Looks great, D C. A vertical shot of the real thing might be of interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Not that I know of burnthebox. That's well ballasted Broithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 DiveController Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Can someone just clarify what the difference between code 100, fine scale and what is streamline about Peco's streamline 100? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Streamline is a trade-name for Peco's flexitrack system and its associated points, slips and crossovers. I think the term is used because you can sweep bends more realistically than with fixed-curve Setrack. The rail on code 100 is 100/1000th of an inch high and Code 75 is 75/1000ths high. Fine scale is a generic term for things that are more scale-accurate - thus, 75 track is more "fine scale" than 100 is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Google search brought me this, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peco#Track_systems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 DiveController Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Fine scale is a generic term for things that are more scale-accurate - thus, 75 track is more "fine scale" than 100 is. Ok, that makes sense now. Pretty much knew Streamline didn't mean anything as such. That finescale thing was boring a hole in my brain. So what's true scale for broad gauge track then? i.e. how high is a prototypical rail? I guess I can do the maths after that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 Thanks again guys, & Broithe great explanation, so it'll be code 100 for me, btw do's everyone know your supposed to bend Peco Flexi one (1) way, only, apparently !! thanks again, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I've never had any trouble bending Peco 100 Streamline flexi-track in either direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Ok, that makes sense now. Pretty much knew Streamline didn't mean anything as such. That finescale thing was boring a hole in my brain.So what's true scale for broad gauge track then? i.e. how high is a prototypical rail? I guess I can do the maths after that In 00 4mm is one foot - a tenth of an inch is 2.5 mm, or 5/8 of a foot, which is 5 times 1.5 inches, or 7.5 inches - a bit over-sized. Somewhere around 5 or 5.5 inches seems about right, in real life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Noel Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 All settrack is effectively code 100, whereas with streamline one has the choice to be either code 100 or the finer scale code 75. Streamline has a centre-to-centre track distance of 50mm (e.g. stream line code 100 or code 75) Settrack has a centre-to-centre track distance of 67mm (e.g. hornby & peco toy set track) I have found that streamline's 50mm centre to centre gap between track looks much better than the huge 67mm gap between settrack, but some very long mk3 and uk mk4 coaches can snag when passing parallel unless the curves are large radius. My old stock had no problem but on one of my curves I increased the flexitrack spacing to 54mm just on the bend so that mk3 coaches have sufficient clearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 That's the beauty of Streamline - you can have a closer spacing on the straights and 'slide' the spacing wider on the bends, as necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 4, 2015 Author Share Posted May 4, 2015 Thanks DC, is that "streamline" different to code 100 ? it looks great, but I do'nt think it's the same as the track I seen in DL, Forgot to ask DC, is that track the type you solder to the rails,? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Forgot to ask DC, is that track the type you solder to the rails,? If you mean kit built track then no it's not, peco track comes ready to lay and all you need to do is cut it to length. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 burnthebox Posted May 4, 2015 Author Share Posted May 4, 2015 Hi guys & thanks for all the info on tracks, it'll be Peco Code 100 & Electrofrog points, may have to visit Hattons when the time comes as weight could be a postage cost, enjoy the Bank Holiday one & all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Warbonnet Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Hi guys & thanks for all the info on tracks, it'll be Peco Code 100 & Electrofrog points, may have to visit Hattons when the time comes as weight could be a postage cost, enjoy the Bank Holiday one & all Hattons postage on track is actually very reasonable so worth giving them a shout first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Noel Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Hi guys & thanks for all the info on tracks, it'll be Peco Code 100 & Electrofrog points, may have to visit Hattons when the time comes as weight could be a postage cost, enjoy the Bank Holiday one & all You may be able to save yourself postage on bulky items such as a few boxes of flexitrack from some of the large Irish model outlets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Warbonnet Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 You may be able to save yourself postage on bulky items such as a few boxes of flexitrack from some of the large Irish model outlets. A fountain of invaluable advice as per usual Noel! Don't know why I didn't think of that myself in my previous post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dhu Varren Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Peco also produce a range of Code 75 track components called ‘Individulay’. This range includes plain wooden and concrete sleepers, lengths of point sleepering, and rail fasteners, all in polystyrene. These components are particularly useful if you wished to build a small Irish layout to the correct 21mm gauge. They are also useful if you are building a layout using Code 75 track, where you have a requirement for a special point arrangement and there is no ready made point available to fit the location. My most recent addition to my layout is a branch line terminus built using Code 75 track. The station throat proved to be a bit awkward due to the space available, so the only option was to build a scissors crossover from scratch, using Individulay components, to fit the location. The end result is shown below. I cheated slightly by using half of a R/H and half of a L/H large radius point to get started, but the rest is built with Individulay components. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Dunluce Castle Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 I've never heard of peco Individulay before, wow never knew they did such a range, could come in handy for the future, that cross over is a work of art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 leslie10646 Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Peco all the way, we've had no problems what so ever with it. Code 100 will allow absolutely everything to be run, especially those old triang engines, code 75 for the more newer stuff. Just for the record, I have used a mix of Peco 100, Peco Setrack (I'm lazy and it saves cutting rail!) and even Hornby straights for some sidings (you can pick up secondhand ones cheaply at exhibitions here in England and it's cheaper than yards of Peco), all without obvious problems. Peco Setrack Special curves (33" or so radius) was particularly useful to lay a fairly inaccesible curve on the layout. I agree with others - buy it from your local shop - if you're buying a lot, they usually offer something off - maybe not to Rails or Hattons level. Better to support them, so that they're still there the day you need something quickly!!!! Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Broithe Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 If buying flexi-track, don't forget to get enough joiners, as well...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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burnthebox
Hi all you knowledgeable guys, tell me what type of Track system is best to put for a layout, & including the best manufacturer of points for the same track system, I'm leaning towards the Peco code ???? so what's best, thanks in advance,
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