Issues with operation of tracks from different manufacturers

5076 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by poliss, Dec 3, 2007

hawkmoth

Discussion Starter · Nov 28, 2007

Hi

I am in the process of deciding which N-gauge set or separates to start a new layout with. I am new to N-gauge, and haven't played with HO/OO trains since I was a kid in the 70's/early 80's.

Reading many websites and threads in here I am still unsure whether to buy a complete train set (e.g. a Fleischmann 9367) or whether to buy track from say Peco, then whatever loco I like, plus a controller from somewhere else? i know you can't answer that for me, but if I bought say the Fleischmann 9367 set, with Fleischmann track and then in the future added Peco track to it, would the two types of track be ok?

Then there are different series of track from Peco. What are the differences, and why is there so much choice?

I want to build a Swiss N-gauge Alpine type railway, so will be buying locos from the continent or through UK suppliers. This I believe has some issues with track too?

I hope someone can shine some light on these things?

Thanks
HM

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Brian Considine

· #2 · Nov 28, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

I would go for the Fleischmann Profi - 2 of our regular customers are just in the process of replacing all their Peco with Fleischmann.

Although quite a bit more expensive the Profi will accept almost any N-Gauge wheels without any problems & with just a little time weathering looks pretty good, especially if you are looking for "modern" track.

The points are DCC friendly out of the box & there is no need to motorise "trailing" points if you only run in one direction over them.

If you go for a finer track such as the code 55 you may have problems with some european stock wheels - especially some of the older stuff.

The same goes for both N & HO.

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poliss

· #3 · Nov 28, 2007

I'm replacing all my Peco track with 99% Kato Unitrack and 1% Minitrix. Kato Unitrack has the point motors built in to the ballast, so you don't need to cut big holes in the baseboard. I found out, after I bought loads of them, that the 'track conversion adaptor straight' is not needed.
I would use 100% Kato, but my track plan requires a 30% double slip which, I think, only Minitrix have. I buy all my Unitrack from a Japanese shop on Ebay. Prices are very reasonable. You don't have to pay customs duty or VAT if you don't go over the £15.00 limit per order. I don't know how much Fleischmann Profi track costs, or where to buy it.

You can get free track planning software from the Xtrkcad group on Yahoo.

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7113

· #4 · Nov 28, 2007

QUOTE (hawkmoth @ 28 Nov 2007, 14:24) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I am in the process of deciding which N-gauge set or separates to start a new layout with. I am new to N-gauge, and haven't played with HO/OO trains since I was a kid in the 70's/early 80's.

I would suggest that a start set would probably be the best way forward, particularily if you decide to go with the Fleischmann twincentre, as it will be much cheaper than buying everything as separates.

Regards

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hawkmoth

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 30, 2007

QUOTE (BRITHO @ 28 Nov 2007, 16:38) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I would suggest that a start set would probably be the best way forward, particularily if you decide to go with the Fleischmann twincentre, as it will be much cheaper than buying everything as separates.

Regards

Thanks for all your input chaps!

It seems there is no right or wrong choice, you make your bed and then lie in it! I guess this is going to be a steep learning curve for me as a virgin N-gauger! When I used HO/OO Hornby/Triang stuff in the 70's it seemed so much easier, but then I was under 10 yrs old!

I think my mind (or heart) is now set on the Fleischmann gear. This is where I have driven my stake in the ground. I guess I will find out as I venture forward now!

As for the twin controller from Fleischmann, I think that is a little out of my budget for a virgin N-gauger at the mo! So I will start with something simple and not push my luck too far for now. If needed I can always change controllers in the future as the set grows into something more realistic, and less stark. There is always Fleabay of course for offloading learning curve errors!

Thanks for the heads-up on the track planning software, Poliss, I will look into that asap.

dbclass50, what is this "code 55" track? I guess I don't need to think about this if I go for the Fleischmann Profi track?

What is the difference between Fleischmann Profi, Kato Unitrack, Minitrix Track, Peco Code 80 and Peco Setrack, etc? Obviously they are made by different manufacturers, but are there any major dimensional differences? Do they all connect to one another without major issues, etc?

Thanks
HM

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poliss

· #6 · Nov 30, 2007

Fleischmann Profi and Kato Unitrack come ready ballasted, so no need to hunt around for cork rolls for underlay etc. Minitrix, Peco etc. are unballasted. The codes, as in Peco code 80, refer to rail height, so code 100 being the crudest and code 55, the finest. The only problem with code 55 track is that older stock had overscale wheel flanges, so can bump along on top of the sleepers. The Kato point motors are very neat, being totally hidden in the track base/ballast. Don't know about the Profi track as I can't remember about their point motors.

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Brian Considine

· #7 · Nov 30, 2007

QUOTE (poliss @ 30 Nov 2007, 00:49) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Fleischmann Profi and Kato Unitrack come ready ballasted, so no need to hunt around for cork rolls for underlay etc. Minitrix, Peco etc. are unballasted. The codes, as in Peco code 80, refer to rail height, so code 100 being the crudest and code 55, the finest. The only problem with code 55 track is that older stock had overscale wheel flanges, so can bump along on top of the sleepers. The Kato point motors are very neat, being totally hidden in the track base/ballast. Don't know about the Profi track as I can't remember about their point motors.

Sound advice & about the only thing I can add is that the Fleischmann point motors clip onto the side of the point, but you can mount them "upsidedown" so that they are flush with the baseboard surface.

Please let us know how you are getting on.

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hawkmoth

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 2, 2007

Thanks dbclass50 and poliss for clarifying the track differences.

I have now ordered a digital (DCC) Fleischmann starter set, 89396, which has a LOK-BOSS controller, and a class V 160 diesel loco + goods wagons.

I decided on this starter set because I wanted continental trains, plus digital control from the start off (even though I realise I may well have to upgrade to something more sophisticated later on). I didn't see any point in investing in analogue and realised the potential of digital.

This set comes with "Piccolo" track as opposed to "Profi", I am unsure of what the differences are between the two types at present (but am not too concerned at this stage). My guess is that "Profi" is more professional? Is that right? If so, in what way os it supposed to be more professional?

Anyway, I can see my hard earned cash is soon going to disappear down the train set plughole!!! I just hope the kids enjoy this as much as I know I will!!!

cheers
Steve

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Brian Considine

· #9 · Dec 2, 2007

QUOTE (hawkmoth @ 2 Dec 2007, 20:43) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>This set comes with "Piccolo" track as opposed to "Profi", I am unsure of what the differences are between the two types at present (but am not too concerned at this stage). My guess is that "Profi" is more professional? Is that right? If so, in what way os it supposed to be more professional?

Sorry - that's me getting you confused - the "Profi" is the HO one - doh !

The track in the N starter sets is the N gauge version of Profi HO & is excellent track to continue with - you won't regret it.

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hawkmoth

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 2, 2007

QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 2 Dec 2007, 23:06) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sorry - that's me getting you confused - the "Profi" is the HO one - doh !

The track in the N starter sets is the N gauge version of Profi HO & is excellent track to continue with - you won't regret it.

Ha ha! OK, now I see! Thanks again for the heads-up! So much to learn, so little time!

I can't wait to get going with this, it will be great.

thanks
Steve

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poliss

· #11 · Dec 3, 2007

I thought profi was n gauge too. Shows how much I know about Fleischmann track. lol

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