[Billy Bunter]

I've started designing an 'N gauge trackplan in PECO Code 80 using SCARM, but in the displayed 20+ turn-outs and junctions did not include a scissor crossing which I want to include. In looking for solutions, I frequently read that as well as Code 55 being more realistic than Code 80, it also offered a larger selection of turn-outs and junctions. However, although Code 55 (in SCARM) does offer a scissor crossover, it only appears to provide about 18 junctions and I have found that from that collection, I cannot form a turnout from one track which then crosses a parallel track.

I've searched unsuccessfully for a for a catalogue (including on PECO's website but cant seem to find anywhere that shows everything that is available in one place.

I'm so frustrated by it I'm considering going back to Code 80.

Be grateful for views from some more experienced enthusiasts.

 

[Nigel2001]

There are plans of each Peco turnout/crossing available, but you have to piece them together to work stuff out

Turn out & crossing plans

peco-uk.com

But a system wide guide as to what works with what is quite hard to find, even if it exists. In part this may be Peco and their historic reluctance to move stuff to the Internet, so expect you to go to the local model shop and buy a guide there.

 

[John Webb]

A 'Scissor Crossing' to me (and the Peco Catalogue) is two cross-overs overlaid on each other so a train on either of two parallel lines can cross over to the other line regardless of direction of travel. I think what you actually need is, in Peco terms, a 'short' or a 'long' crossing, often called a 'diamond' crossing. Which you use is dependent on the point radius. The short crossing is used with small/medium radius points, the long crossing with large radius. All available in both 55 and 80 code rail.

 

[34C]

... However, although Code 55 (in SCARM) does offer a scissor crossover, it only appears to provide about 18 junctions and I have found that from that collection, I cannot form a turnout from one track which then crosses a parallel track.

I've searched unsuccessfully for a for a catalogue (including on PECO's website but cant seem to find anywhere that shows everything that is available in one place....

Firstly, welcome. I find it's a fun hobby, and hopefully you will find it so too.

Secondly, frustration. When using 'ready to lay' (RTL) track there are inevitable limitations and working around these is necessary, until ready to make bespoke track. (There are products to support this activity.) I use OO so cannot provide any specific advice on what can be done to modify the RTL track systems for N gauge: this is possible in OO and helps a lot. The upside of Peco's track product is that it works, and is highly durable in the hands of a careful user.

Here's a link to the site of an efficient retailer. If there is a pre-order flag in the illustration that means they have no stock to sell you and are awaiting supply. (In twenty one years I have yet to find them claiming to have stock when none is available, and they count down stock level in real time too. Most UK retailers do not attain to this standard.)

N Track - Code 55 Finescale Products from Hattons Model Railways

www.hattons.co.uk