I’m installing a Walthers/Shinohara Code 83 #8 RH turnout inline with a Peco Code 83 #6 RH turnout and I noticed that the tolerances on the Peco turnout seem to be much tighter. I checked the rails on both turnouts with the NMRA track guage and there is some slop with the Shinohara, but the Peco is a perfect fit. The rails on the Shinohara also seem to be beefier. Seems odd to me that both are Code 83 yet the rail profile and spacing is obviously different.
I’d imagine I’m going to have to smooth out the inside rail transition after I solder them together. Anyone else notice such a big difference and does anyone have any tips on ensuring a good transition between such an abrupt transition?
I figured I’d give the Peco a try. My local hobby shop is completely out of Walthers/Shinohara #6 turnouts and they say they can’t find them from any of their suppliers. Seems odd to me that the stock would be depleted to such an extent without the manufacturer making more. Maybe they should have put “Limited Edition” on the boxes. 
The code 83 only refers to the height of the rails. .083") Different companies make (or buy) they’re rail a little differently. Solder/file and fine sanding is probably the best way to go. (finish with some 600 grit or finer)
Where are you at in Columbus? I went to Dublin at used to live in the Hilltop.
Yeah, I lined them up with Walthers rail joiners (really tight on the Shinohara - fairly loose on the Peco) and the inside of the rails seem to be lined up now. I think the problem may have been that the Shinohara turnout could have been bent a little.
My username refers to Milepost 6 on the NS Sandusky line. Very close to Cooke Rd.
A friend of mine runs this website with some train related info on the area: http://www.crtraincrew.com/
There are at least 3 hobby shops within a mile of my house, NS and CSX mainlines, and Ohio Central
downtown, so it’s a pretty nice place for this hobby. 
You lucky dog![:P] I used to shop at The Train Station all the time. My friend help build that layout in their front window.(if it’s still there) What other 2 shops are there? I know Blue Caboose closed. I guess there’s a shop at Graceland, but I never shopped there.
I used to work at the corner of Wilson and Trabue right next to The Buckeye Yard. did a lot of railfanning over there.
My closest hobby shop is 65 miles away now![banghead]
Try and stay warm!
Yeah, the shop in Graceland and one of the guys from The Blue Caboose has a lot of that stuff for sale in a shop at the corner of Garden and High St. Train Station is at Garden and Indianola… so there’s kind of a triangle of hobby shops.
The shops all have different specialties so the variety is nice.