[Tiago]

Hello,

I started drawing a layout using AnyRail using Peco streamline code 55 elements. One of the first things you'd need to draw parallel track is the spacing between them. Since I wasn't able to find a definitive answer online I drew the following structure in AnyRail (two short turnouts)

Which I believe defines the track separation. Using a ruller (you might not see it on the image) I got a track separation (centerline to centerline) of 27mm.

Afterwards I started to draw a "ladder" of turnouts as you might have in a fiddle yard and connected this structure to the previous one. However a tiny issue manifested itself:

The geometries don't seem to line up properly.

Shouldn't this line up properly? Is it bug with anyrail or am I wrongly assuming things about PECO geometry?

thank you,

 

[kristopher1805]

Sorry but to be exact, I am an OO user, however there are times when you have to cut and shut, sometimes you can cut down the point a bit or for instance in the case of the bottom left situation you replace the short section above right by cutting down a long piece and then use a bit of the left over to make a short piece to join the point lower left to the one above.

Again sometimes in OO I use a slip instead of a cross over because the Peco code 100 cross over is truly naff and should be dumped, the single and double slips are brilliant if pricey, no idea about N equivalents really.

However the geometry cannot work every which way, and this turning the point round for the track fan is a case in point it simply does not work as they configure it, if you look at the set track plans book you see they do the step shuffle to deal with this, making up some short bits of track gets around the problem, clearly very short bits are not good when made from flexi so cutting fixed track is generally a better option.

My arsenal of tools includes both side and vertical cutters, files to trim up the ends, a Dremel for clean cutting, getting these right is a bit of judgement but can be done easily enough - at least in OO code 100 that is.

 

[Tiago]

Thank you for your answer.

I understand now that I have to use small segments to make the difference in some cases.

I don't have the plans book but looking at the PECO catalog, on the setrack pages, they have a geometry diagram which uses a few of these tiny "adjustment" segments here and there.

Regrettably PECO doesn't offer rigid straight segments in code-55 but, as you say, that can be arranged with flextrack.

 

[M8 INTERNET]

Which Peco points are you using?
Are all four the same?

There is a slight difference between each version; short, medium, long
This means they cannot be mixed,unlike their Code 80 equivalent

 

[jfheath]

QUOTE (Tiago @ 26 Jun 2017, 14:57) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>The geometries don't seem to line up properly.

Shouldn't this line up properly? Is it bug with anyrail or am I wrongly assuming things about PECO geometry?

That is correct, the points in that configuration do not give the same track centres as when they are facing each other.
If the heel end of the point was a little longer, it would work in both orientations. As it is, you have to add a small section of track, and be careful how you lay it, as it is awkward to get such a short section to lie properly. Especially as you often need to join the points with insulating joiners - which have that little extra flex.

But it is nice to have pointwork which is all set at the same angle - ie points, crossings and double slips.

Consider though, that rail sidings are tend to be straight, and you may find it desirable to have them set that little bit closer !

 

[jfheath]

Addition to my point above: If the Peco point heel was a bit longer, then the centres would be correct.

Well they aren't a bit longer for the small radius points. But they are for the large radius point (like E388F). If you use these in the same position as in your diagram, you end up with your sidings with track centres of 27mm. And the longer point is the same size as the short point with the extra 40mm of straight track that is required

I have a diagram, but I can't post it unless it is published elsewhere - which it isn't.

 

[John Webb]

Peco do downloadable plans of their trackwork - see https://peco-uk.com/collections/turn-out-crossing-plans - which can be printed off to help lay out your track.

Regards,
John