Track query PECO 00 gauge

[jhb171achill]

What's the difference between Peco's code 75 and code 100? Which looks more like 5ft 3? (To such extent as either might!)

 

Which is better for running a model of 800 on?

 

Is a curve of some 3ft 6 radius sufficient for a model of 800?

 

Interrogation complete.

[Glenderg]

Height of the rail. Code 75 is lower than code 100,and looks better.

 

That radius is fine. 2' is the smallest.

 

Richie.

[jhb171achill]

Many thanks, Glenderg.

 

Due to amended Domestic Planning Permission, after some years of lobbying, there may be an 00 gauge thing made possible. I will have to count the shekels.

[Mike 84C]

Hattons is the place for track and code 75 is quite acceptable for 5'3" the lower rail section looks good. Or it does with my eyes!

[jhb171achill]

Hattons it is then!

[Broithe]

The 'code' numbers refer to the height of the rail in units of 1/1000th of an inch.

 

Thus, Code 100 rail is a 1/10th of an inch high (100/1000) and Code 75 is 75/1000ths of an inch high.

[DiveController]

What's the difference between Peco's code 75 and code 100? Which looks more like 5ft 3? (To such extent as either might!)

 

Which is better for running a model of 800 on?

 

Is a curve of some 3ft 6 radius sufficient for a model of 800?

 

Interrogation complete.

As you know neither really resembles the broad 5'3" gauge since its 16 mm between the rails but the height of the Code 100 rail is oversized. The code 75 appears more to scale and 75/1000" would equate to just over 6" for the prototype (if I've done my maths correctly).

Does that sound right for the height of the prototypical rail?

[GNRi1959]

I'm using Code 100 Peco on my Omagh North layout and yesterday I started painting the sides of the rails. This seems to take the harsh look off the rail sides to some degree. Thirty years ago when I read the arguments about modelling 5'3" it was so difficult and today I don't think it is any easier. I don't too many people are bothered about the odd millimetre here and there, are they?

Edited April 3, 2017 by TonyMcGartland

[irishmail]

Re Peco track,

There has been an ongoing debate over the years of which track is scale appearance or not. Strictly speaking Peco track is HO scale ie, 3.5mm to 1' whereas 00 UK and Irish stock is produced to 4mm - 1'. So for complete authenticity in 00 scale the track gauge should be I believe 21mm. However most modellers are quite happy to accept the compromise of using 'HO' track which when detailed and weathered, as you have done by starting to paint the sides of the rails does not look too much out of place.

Regards

 

John

[jhb171achill]

Excellent info, many thanks.

 

Now, next question. What's best for painting the sides of the rails?

[Broithe]

SMP have an option for phosphor bronze rail, which should age to a fairly realistic 'rusty' finish.

 

[Glenderg]

Irish Rail use 54E1 rail profile, which is 159mm high. Scaled Code 75mm is 145mm high, whereas Code 100 is 194mm, far too big altogether. Image below shows how close Code 75 is to the real thing (shown in blue outline).

 

 

Not much can be done about the 16.5mm back to back against the 21mm proper, but shur hey.

 

JB, this might suit you for painting the rails? http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/TT4580/page/1

 

Richie

 

P.S American Code 83 is almost a perfect match, for the absolute sticklers out there

Edited April 3, 2017 by Glenderg

[irishmail]

Excellent info, many thanks.

 

Now, next question. What's best for painting the sides of the rails?

 

I generally use Humbrol enamel matt rust No 113 or Revel equivalent for sides of the rails, slightly thinned with thinners or white spirit, On point work try to avoid painting the area where the switch blade makes contact with the stock rail. I paint my track by hand with a brush, but you can always use an airbrush too. Hope this helps.

 

John

[WRENNEIRE]

As said before PECO track is basically HO gauge

This is most obvious when you look at the spacing on the sleepers and indeed the sleepers themselves

This company provides OO scale sleepers that can be used to give more realism to your track

 

http://www.finescale.org.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=346_375_383

[Garfield]

Peco's new range of bullhead track also has OO sleeper spacing...

[Noel]

Now, next question. What's best for painting the sides of the rails?

 

JB, I don't know which is best, but I've used airbrush to "kill two birds with one stone", by lightly spraying 'railmatch' acrylic sleeper grime onto ballasted track in one go (i.e. weathers track, ballast, and sprays a layer on the sides of the rails to loose the shine and give them a dull grime effect. I tried hand painting the rail sides with a paint brush, and also one of the specialist marker pens, but found it somewhat tedious and time consuming. I found the Peco 'rust' pen colour too bright and orange looking. A very thin dull brown colour like 'sleeper grime' seems to look more natural. Have fun.

[GNRi1959]

I'm using RailMatch sleeper grime and it looks pretty good.

To be honest, when ballast is added and a bit of detailing on the track side the track will be the least of my worries!