I’m starting an HO switching layout and am thinking of using Peco code 75 track, mainly based on the fact that I have had great success on my N scale layout using Peco code 55.
Any feedback on this track, or any other for that matter. How does code 75 compare with code 83? Is there that much difference in appearance, reliability. More importantly, will most locomotives and rolling stock run well on the lower codes?
Good choice, a switching layout is what I also have. I use Peco 75 as I thought it looked better for the freelance WW2 shortline I´m building. A friend of mine is using Peco code 83, and that looks much more “mainline” so to say…
As all my material is RP25 standard, I have no problems. The Peco 75 has almost the same free height as other code 83 tracks, as the fasteners is so low in profile. I have ran some NEM cars as well without problems. Older material? Probably not…
Here is a vid of how my tracks looks:
You can certainly use code 75 track. However, there are a couple of things that you may want to know. These are not specifics, but general things.
If your switching layout is going to have a mainline going through it, I would use code 100 for the mainline and code 100 turnouts on any mainline track. If your mainline will have a passing siding, I would make that code 83. Turnouts off of the siding to industrial areas should be code 83. Then switch to code 75 for the industrial type track.
Using different size track (rail) for different applications is what the real railroads do. Heavier rail for heavier traveled lines. Since track is a model too, using different size rail in the different areas will look better. By building a switching pike, you will probably have more detail than a larger model railroad would. The different size track would add to that detail.