I’m in the process of revamping my layout, scaling down to a 2 x 16 shelf layout. All factors considered (including my age, my recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease along with the RA), this was just the logical thing to do. Besides that, I just was not satisfied with the way things were going on my L-shaped dog bone so I found a point-to-point British branch line layout entitled Walsham St Helen’s GWR Model Railway on Youtube that seems to be exactly what I need at this point which is great since I have always modelled OO scale Brit layouts anyway. Since I’m not likely to use the track I had used in the old layout which was a mixture of Peco code 75 Streamline and Peco code 75 Bullhead, I’m going to have to “re-track” the new layout. I have read everything I can read about track comparisons and, although I know everyone has his own personal preference, I’m trying to weigh the balances on what brand of track to go with. Atlas code 83 is cheapest and most readily available to me where I am, but I have read some very bad reviews of Atlas turnouts. I’ve always used Peco on every layout I’ve built but they’re moving away from the Electrofrog turnouts to the new Unifrog turnouts and the reviews are mixed at best. Walther’s Shinoahawa seems to be the worst of the 3, especially since I’ve heard Walther’s no longer carries this line and is coming up with something new. Well, I know this question has been asked before but I just felt I needed to ask it again so…any help is appreciated. “Oldman”
I’m sorry, the title of your threaded nerded me out… there is no question without an answer… you can always just go with…
42
-Kevin
If I am reading your post correctly, you are asking about what track to use for a small switching layout.
Honestly, given what you described, I would suggest continuing to use the Peco code 75 streamline track and turnouts you are comfortable with. You should be able to find them on the secondary market in the small quanitity you need.
I was able to buy over 100 old style Walther/Shinohara solid frog non-DCC turnouts with some patience and the willingness to spend the money.
-Kevin
I have been using Atlas code 83 turnouts since their introduction decades ago.
Everyone has different expectations but they work fine, and I know many other modelers with basement filling 2,000 sq ft layouts full of them, working fine for decades.
I have never understood the complaints.
While PECO makes very high quality products, their “features” have never fit my needs - I guess that’s why there are FORDs and Chevys.
Disclaimer - I use Advanced Cab Control DC, I prefer the electrical design of the Atlas for my needs, and I have never built a small shelf layout, so my needs may be dramaticly different from yours.
Sheldon
I was VERY happy with Fast Track turnouts on my last layout. They were quiet, reliable, and very realistic looking. I purchased them off eBay from someone who had purchased the jigs and supplies from Fast Track to make it themselves. The turnouts even came with the frog prewired, which I connected to Cabooose Industry S220 ground throws.
It doesn’t look like anyone is presently offering Fast Track turnouts on eBay. The cost was the same or slightly cheaper than Peco turnouts.
Tom
I have made my own, used Atlas, used Bachmann EZ-Track, Walthers/Shinohara, Micro Engineering, and Peco Streamline Code 83 Insulfrogs (now being phased out as supply dries up in favour of the Unifrog). The Bachmann EZ-Tracks worked well once I teased better performance out of them, but they’re very expensive and still not comparable in quality to all the others…my opinion.
Honestly, you can take your pick of any of the non-Code 100 turnouts currently advertizing in our host’s magazine and enjoy them. They’re all good quality, and if you get the correct geometry, you’ll have years of solid and rewarding use from them. I haven’t used any Code 100 turnouts in years, so I am not prepared to rate their performance or quality.
I think supplies are likely to get scarce before long as supply chains of all kinds are running very lean. The CEO of WalMart said today he’s never seen anything like it, and they live on supply chains. I may be wrong about hobby supplies, but if sea cans are currently vying for space on ships at the rate of $20K per unit, you’ll see the hobby supply dry up right quick.
The options listed appear to be for North American style track, but I thought the layout was to be British. Isn’t their track different? And doesn’t someone make “British” track?
If I was modeling British, I’d go all-in, including the track. Especially for a “smallish” layout.
An exception could be for a staging yard, having no scenery, and thus no location at all.
Ed
There are people who say the answer is 14k, as opposed to 42. I lean in that direction myself.
Walthers new lines of flex track and turnouts seem very well made and easy to use. Their rail joiners and feeder wire joiners. are particularly nice to use. It’s a well designed and well manufacturered system.
I find Peco turnouts fit fine with anybody’s flex track as long as you can get the joiners to fit. Only Atlas joiners will easily fit Atlas rail profile. Peco turnouts are very compact compared to other brands. You also don’t need electrical switch motors. Walthers now also have spring loaded throw bars that work in the same way.
Hmmm, How many roads must a man walk down. I haven’t re-read that in decades.
But to the topic of the thread…
As another prior poster said, I would probably stick with the code 75 you are familiar with, or go with the old Peco code 83 electrofrog/insulfrog and keep looking up “new old stock” for whichever one you choose on the secondary market.
It took Kevin 7½ million years to get that answer.
[bow][bow][bow]
[(-D]
Well, I guess I am the one that ruined this thread.
[(-D]
-Kevin
No, do the Spongebob “Man-Ray” answer to Patrick - 62! Plus 20 is better, right? [(-D]
Honestly, If you like the performance of Peco, stick with Peco.
Track preferences are almost as subjective as era in modelling.
Nothing wrong with Shinohara but they are gone. Since you are doing British proto type I would go with the Peco.
I’ve only been using Atlas HO scale turnouts and track since they first released them and never had any problems. I have a few Peco turnouts and they work fine also.
I started out hand laying my track in 1951 using Atlas fiber ties on the 25’ roll and Atlas rails (iron rails), I went with assembled Atlas flex track when it was first introduced (brass rails).
I’ve never had any problems with Atlas track in 70 years.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
If age / health issues are making you want to simplify things, why not check out Kato Unitrack? A nice thing about it with a new layout is you can build your flat-top shelf and do ‘real world’ tests with the track, operating it for a while before making anything permanent. No matter how much I plan, once I’m actually putting track and buildings in place I always find something I hadn’t thought of that works better.
I am sorry for your diagnosis and hope you still have many years of MR left.
I don’t think building your own turnouts is a viable suggestion for someone with your conditions. I do like the fact that Peco turnouts take up less space, but for the most part I am going with Atlas and maybe the new Walthers.
Atlas flex track is easy to work with. ME flex track needs coaxed and cajoled to form curves. Again, not something you want to deal with.
I’ve read that some people have had problems with shallow frogs on Atlas track, but I have not.
I have used Atlas Code 83 flextrack and Atlas Code 83 Custom Line turnouts on five different large layouts over a 17 year period with absolutely no problems.