Can someone help me? I'm trying to figure the radius of PECO SL-E386-7. I would like to work these into my 3X6ft. layout. Wondering of I'll have to make major mods to incorporate these switches.. Any help would be appreciated..... Bill
I think the radius is 36" for the outer track and 18" radius for the inner track. So if you want to use them for a loop you would need a table about 75" wide for the 36" radius of the outer curve. You could use them for a siding switch in the middle of the layout.
I guess the curved switches just have too big a radius for my needs. I'll have to figure something else out..... Thanks for the help guys..... Bill
Bill, Shinohara do some curved turnouts with much tighter radius. Here is a like to a UK Supplier, http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Shinohara_Track___Pointwork__N____Aiguillages.html I'v used them with Peco track before. I'm sure there will be a US supplier. -James
On my old layout, I used some Peco curved turnouts on a section of my layout that was 4' wide. Granted, the curve leading into the turnout was more like 16-18" radius, but I fit it in. Probably ought to buy one, or cut out a paper template from somewhere if you are only using one in the main line. Seems like it could work with some planning.
Atlas makes a nice looking (in my opinion) curved turnout in code 55 with a much smaller radius than Peco. Does anyone know how the two code 55's would match up? It looks like the Atlas would work just fine. Also, anyone know what kind of frog the Atlas switch has? Thanks in advance, Bill
1- try here to download the 1:1 template you want to use, print and test on your layout: http://www.peco-uk.com/page.asp?id=tempc55 You can also download this: http://dgm.xoom.it/imm/scambi.zip here are some info about radii etc: http://www.awrr.com/PECO.html and here too: http://dgm.xoom.it/peco.htm 2- IF YOU WANT TO USE A MIX OF PECO AND ATLAS : Check here the rail shape of both: http://dgm.xoom.it/rotaienne.htm PECO ATLAS I've used a peco double crossover connected to my ME flex : - free the end of peco rails of plastic tie - with a Dremel or a fine saw cut the base of rail that extend inside the plastic ties ( check the shape on above link) - With a fine file flat the base of rails - install an Atlas joner and you're done! Hope helps
If you have an "outer loop" near the edge of your 3' by 6' table, you might be able to use these turnouts as the transition from the straight segments to the curves. The rest of the curved track for the outer loop would need to use a tighter radius to fit in your space. What type of track are you using for the rest of your layout?
just because the outside curve of the turnout is 36" radius does not mean it cannot be used in your space. if it is meant to be part of 180 degree curve, it can be one piece of that curve, or as noted above, a transition curve into what would continue to complete the 180 degrees. if it is being used for a siding or yard with straight track, the 36" radius can be readily reversed with the same degree of curve in any radius you choose, being sure to not create an "S" turn if you are planning to use two of these to complete a crossover from one mainline to another, or whatever, it would be a good idea to make 2 templates and see how they fit together and what you will need to use to connect that crossover to the rest of the layout mixing peco and atlas code 55 can be done, but the difference in tie (sleeper) size and spacing makes it a "not too good of a match" peco and altas code 80 work ok together, but then altas code 80 does not have a curved turnout if there was more information, especially an image of your trackplan, there are many here who can provide more exact and detailed information. without such, it can only be addressed in such generic ways as these. sincerely Gary
