Hi All.
I am enjoying John Emerson's book 'Modelling Railways in O Gauge', and wonder if I may seek advice on track? Mr. Emerson advises that: "Whilst it is probably true that the majority of O-gauge modellers are happy to use 'Streamline', it does have its detractors. Sleeper spacing and width is a compromise to suit both UK and overseas markets and the points do not entirely conform to how the prototype is constructed'. Mr. Emerson advises that his own layout 'Gifford Street' uses lots of Peco 'O' track on his layout for convenience. I am in no way criticizing Mr. Emerson's views, but I am curious why Peco - especially in 'O' - would need to make compromises with (code 124) bullhead track in the first place, as it really only applies to the U.K. (doesn't it?)? I can understand the fact that Peco may have made compromises with the code 143 flat bottom track as it can be used for Continental and North American layouts using 32 m.m. gauge.
I note that C & L Finescale and Marcway bullhead track looks more prototypical than perhaps the Peco version, and prices seem similar. As I want to start running the few 'O' models that I have, I would prefer to get it right from the beginning, so any advice please? In the Peco book 'Your Guide to O Gauge Railway Modelling' they naturally promote their own make of track, but also pay respect to C & L and Marcway as alternatives to Peco.
If I want to lay 3rd rail (I note that C & L produces a brass gauge for this along with insulators) would Code 100 be best for the third rail, or should it be slightly smaller?
Lastly, to the B.R. Southern modellers out there, did the Class 205 Hampshire DMUs numbers 1119 to 1121 ever run on the Kent lines circa 1960 to 1964 with 3 cars? One site advises that 1122 only ever ran as a 2 car unit whereas in the early 60s, nos. 1119 to 1121 were upgraded to 3 car units, but the site doesn't mention if they were still on the Kent lines during this time period.
Thank you in advance. EW
I am enjoying John Emerson's book 'Modelling Railways in O Gauge', and wonder if I may seek advice on track? Mr. Emerson advises that: "Whilst it is probably true that the majority of O-gauge modellers are happy to use 'Streamline', it does have its detractors. Sleeper spacing and width is a compromise to suit both UK and overseas markets and the points do not entirely conform to how the prototype is constructed'. Mr. Emerson advises that his own layout 'Gifford Street' uses lots of Peco 'O' track on his layout for convenience. I am in no way criticizing Mr. Emerson's views, but I am curious why Peco - especially in 'O' - would need to make compromises with (code 124) bullhead track in the first place, as it really only applies to the U.K. (doesn't it?)? I can understand the fact that Peco may have made compromises with the code 143 flat bottom track as it can be used for Continental and North American layouts using 32 m.m. gauge.
I note that C & L Finescale and Marcway bullhead track looks more prototypical than perhaps the Peco version, and prices seem similar. As I want to start running the few 'O' models that I have, I would prefer to get it right from the beginning, so any advice please? In the Peco book 'Your Guide to O Gauge Railway Modelling' they naturally promote their own make of track, but also pay respect to C & L and Marcway as alternatives to Peco.
If I want to lay 3rd rail (I note that C & L produces a brass gauge for this along with insulators) would Code 100 be best for the third rail, or should it be slightly smaller?
Lastly, to the B.R. Southern modellers out there, did the Class 205 Hampshire DMUs numbers 1119 to 1121 ever run on the Kent lines circa 1960 to 1964 with 3 cars? One site advises that 1122 only ever ran as a 2 car unit whereas in the early 60s, nos. 1119 to 1121 were upgraded to 3 car units, but the site doesn't mention if they were still on the Kent lines during this time period.
Thank you in advance. EW
