that's my goal, too. I think operating sessions are what I'm building my layout for, so I need a flawless trackwork. I'm sure - or at least I have to be :tb-biggrin: - that I will accomplish that using a great looking track. I just have RP-25 rolling stock and I carefully check all of my engines' wheelset in order to get them running smoothly. And I will power all turnouts' frogs. Something that should be done with Peco turnouts, too... Don't rely on points pressing against stock rails: if you paint and ballast your turnouts, you MUST feed your frog or you're going to have lots of dead spots. Been there, done that. :tb-cool: But you probably already know that...
If you think you're hijacking this thread, feel free to contact me via e-mail and ask me whatever question you want, I'll be glad to answer. I think my e-mail is in my profile, otherwise write to: denny(dot)turani[at]gmail(dot)com.
Yep. I liked the Electrofrog's power-routing features, but having to perpetually fool around with points convinced me to re-wire every turnout I put down. It's a long process when factored in with trying to set up manual turnout mechanisms at the same time, but worth it!
absolutely! here is how I managed to feed a Peco frog. Much better doing this BEFORE you glue you turnouts down. Again, been there, done that :tb-cool:
I'm using DPDT slide switches so I can have position indicator lights on my control panel. I've seen one guy make an adjustable aluminum bracket for his that I'd love to have. Someone could manufacture these and make some money. Guess that's enough hijacking of this thread, though. :tb-embarrassed:
Back from the USA now much worse off financially but I do have some nice models and I think I have safeguarded employment for 1 employee at caboose hobbies for the next few months. I think I am going to order the Fasttracks kit as it will give me something to do over the long dark winter months plus I like the look of the US style track. If only Peco would bring out a line of track like their HO code 83 line? Next question for modern class 1 railroad which rail is more suitable the code 55 or the code 40, someone told me that code 55 equates to 6 inch high rail which seems a bit high? Shaun
For N scale I wouldn't use anything bigger than code 55. Code 80 is normally used on HO main lines... for my layout I have ME flextrack code 55 everywhere but on spurs where I install code 40.
Code 55 is a little too big, but I don't know that I'd go to 40. There are issues or near issues with Atlas code 55 and flanges. I know part of this is due to the oversized spike heads, but I've also read that they are either in spec, or really, really close. I don't know how 40 deals with this. If it works, then that isn't a concern. Code 55 looks way better than code 80, and looks good after it is painted and ballasted. Jeff
I'm sold on the Fast Tracks c/w code 55 and ME code 55 track. A nice little winter project all I have to do now is decide which kit I will buy, the #10 is looking the hot favourite at the moment. Shaun
Jeff, That's partly true. Atlas does a very fine track, but you have to run only RP-25 rolling stock on it. Any pizza cutter will hit the spikes. Also you have to check your wheelsets are in gauge, cause turnouts' flanges are pretty narrow. Again, if you use RP-25 wheelset equipped rolling stock, you won't have problems. And, in 2007, I see no reason not to use RP-25 wheelsets... :tb-biggrin:
I agree, I don't see any reason for the ginormous flanges, either. The only things I have that hit the spike heads on the code 55 are either more than 10 years old, or MTs with pizza cutters. I have not used any of the switches, since I am laying my own, but the pics sure look way better than the code 30 ones. Jeff
Man I can't believe it's been a year since I was here, well what has happened? I finished tearing out mt OO layout to put an N scale one in it's place. Money was tight this year with us renovating the house and holidays but I did manage to buy some stock. All that allowed me to explore too many avenues but I finally found what I was after. Shaun
I am going with the Union Pacific in Oklahoma after seeing and ATSF project in MR mag which suits me. That will be the lower level and on top I will have a continuation of the line with possibly part of David Barrows "South Plains District" representing Oklahoma city. The original plan was for HO in a space 12 by 24 I have the same space but are doing it in N. I also have a love of the ATSF in the 50's & 60's and my wife has bought me the Kato super chief sets although not really my time frame it was too nice to not to have. Shaun
well the wood should be here tuesday and the track anytime in the next few weeks as it's coming from the USA, so as soon as there is something to see I will post something, it's just an empty room where I ripped out the old layout. Although the frame I built is being re used everything else will be new wood
Glad to hear to back modelling in N scale. I use Peco tracks and turnouts and engines mainly from Kato, Atlas and InterMountain. Have a couple of Athearn engines which I was sceptical about but after of hours of running run fairly well. Agree with you, money is tight especially if you are a retiree (gainfully unemployed!) Cheers,
