[Limapete]

Hi - I am new to model railways and have been given a Lima starter kit (1:45) which I have powered using an old 60's Hornby transformer.

I should like to build a bigger layout than the amount of track included in the kit allows and would like to enquire whether Peco O gauge track is compatible with the Lima track from the kit?

 

[Graham Plowman]

Hi Pete,

Welcome to the hobby!

I'm not able to comment on Lima O gauge track as I haven't seen it, however, my observation (having tried it) is that current Peco O gauge track, unlike 4mm counter parts, hasn't really been upgraded since the 1970's when Lima was current and consequently, Peco track seems to be designed for 1970's Lima wheels - they run well with no dropping into crossing V's.

With regards current O gauge models such as Dapol, Heljan, Slaters, Parkside and others, there are significant issues with wheels dropping into crossing V's because Peco track hasn't been upgraded to match modern wheel standards.

In your situation, I'd probably buy Peco track anyway to see if it connects to the Lima track. If it does and you have an absolutely burning desire to keep it, use it in storage areas. If it doesn't, chuck it out and go all Peco - you're not going to be able to get more Lima track now.

HTH

 

[Limapete]

Thanks Graham - I was planning for some "cosmetic" sidings so I'll follow your advice using Peco track for that section and see if it is compatible with the main line Lima rail.

Pete

 

[Graham Plowman]

Thanks Pete.
I think I may have caused confusion.
What I meant was: buy some Peco track to see it it connects to your Lima track. If it does, then use the Lima track in hidden storage sidings (I'm not sure what you meant by 'cosmetic' sidings - are they storage sidings or are they in the visible operational area of the layout ?) and make the rest of the layout with Peco. If they don't connect, then build the whole lot with Peco anyway.

 

[Limapete]

Ah - sorry my misunderstanding.

I didn't explain myself properly in the first place Graham. I have two kits which were for "small" oval shapes so there's quite a lot of curved track but only 8 short pieces of straight. So what I wanted was to use Peco straight track to extend the layout - which will be going in the garden because of the size - if the track is compatible.

I'll buy a small sample and test it empirically..

Pete

 

[boxbrownie]

The new range of O gauge PECO Setrack is excellent, and very good looking for Setrack. You will be able to run your starter set on it with no issues, and the Setrack MIGHT be compatible, and certainly easy to join than with the standard O gauge flexi track.

Just one thing, get rid of the 60’s controller and get a modern simple DC controller from somewhere like Gaugemaster, it will be far, far safer to use than a high voltage to 12V 1960’s design that has very old and probably very aged components inside.

I have an oval of ATLAS (US) Setrack I use whenever I want or need the feel for a bit of 7mm running, I have loads of Locos and wagons/coaches but no 7mm layout.

 

[Limapete]

Thanks very much David - I'll search for some Setrack to try out.

The old Transformers have a lot more charm (and umph ) than the modern ones but I get your safety concerns and will source a more recent supply.

 

[boxbrownie]

Bullhead O Gauge Buffer Stop - Rail built

Peco Setrack Bullhead 0 Gauge track makes it possible have somewhere to run trains without having to build or find room for a fixed layout. With Setrack you can lay out your trackwork indoors on the floor or out on the patio in any configuration you choose and pack it away again afterwards...

peco-uk.com

Actually links to the 7mm starter set