Hi mtaylor, Thought you maybe interested in the following message that I sent to MTL and their reply. Sent: I am in the planning stage for an N-scale layout and want to use Peco Code 55 track. Will the Micro Trains stock wheel flanges clear the tie structure OK or do I need to change the wheels? Reply:Yes, our standard wheels should function perfectly normally on code 55 rail. I hope that this helps. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. This was from the Design Engineer at MTL. Now, having posted the above, I think Gats has a good suggestion and as another man said "discretion is the better part of valor" ------------------ MBR#307 Residing in the BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 13 April 2000).] [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 13 April 2000).]
M/T trucks and all other wheels I have tried run perfectly on Peco code 55 track and track switches (we call them 'points'). Actually the clearance is as great as Peco code 80, due to very clever design (dashed clever these British ). The track is even stronger than code 80, as the rail section has another section below the visible bit, that is embedded in the ties. Patrick, in answer to your query on point motors, I use Seep PM1 motors, they have the frog polarity change switch, but I am not sure if they are available in the States. They are similar to the Peco ones, but easier to fit, and more robust. You also asked about Insulfrog, or Electrofrog - but I think code 55 are only available in electrofrog. When live frogs are available I would not even consider using anything else. Don't know the frog angles, they are sold here as small, medium and large radius. Hope all that helps ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com
Alan, I usually "Americaize" points to switches to avoid confusion... which I find slightly humourous as I work on the real thing Could I be bi-lingual? Gary.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patrick: Hi mtaylor, Thought you maybe interested in the following message that I sent to MTL and their reply. Sent: I am in the planning stage for an N-scale layout and want to use Peco Code 55 track. Will the Micro Trains stock wheel flanges clear the tie structure OK or do I need to change the wheels? Reply:Yes, our standard wheels should function perfectly normally on code 55 rail. I hope that this helps. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. This was from the Design Engineer at MTL. Now, having posted the above, I think Gats has a good suggestion and as another man said "discretion is the better part of valor" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks for the info. It helps the planning allot.
N-Trak has approved Peco code 55 for use on any or all modules. The Micro Engineering code 55 hasn't. I just asked the-powers-that-be a few weeks ago about this and that's the reply I got. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX! Brent Tidaback
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan: Patrick, in answer to your query on point motors, I use Seep PM1 motors, they have the frog polarity change switch, but I am not sure if they are available in the States. They are similar to the Peco ones, but easier to fit, and more robust. You also asked about Insulfrog, or Electrofrog - but I think code 55 are only available in electrofrog. When live frogs are available I would not even consider using anything else. Hope all that helps <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks very much for your reply Alan. It helps a great deal. I just received a copy of the Digitrax Big Book Of DCC and went to their section on points . They had an explanation about Peco's Insulfrog and Electrofrog that helped also. Anyway, I'm going to order some Peco Code 55 rail and Electrofrog points today. The wampum is burning a hole in my pocket . There is a lot to learn, but that's part of the fun. Is's great that you all share your experience. Cheers ------------------ MBR#307 Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 14 April 2000).]
I guess that settles it! I will use PECO 55. Reason: It looks goood, runs good and is economical. Kato is easy to use, runs good but requires more work to make it look good, and cost a fortune compare to flex. Thanks for all the info guys. Now, Moving on to the next phase (for me) of track. What tools do you reccomend using when working with flex. I will take a look at the Atlas forum to get more info on joint soldering as well. Thanks again Matt
For cutting flex track, I use a Dremel-type tool with a cutting disc, very easy, and you get a burr-free cut. I use Peco track pins to fix the track, sparingly, just enough to hold it in alignment until ballasted. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com
