[dwb]

QUOTE Code 75 flexible is actually easier to use than code 100, both in laying and cutting, as the rail section is smaller.

That's my experience too. The code 75 is much inclined to revert to the straight and narrow than code 100 when you're laying curves.

Gary does make a valuable point (no pun intended) about being extra careful with code 75. It is much easier to strip the rail from the sleepers through rough handling. Once the rail has parted company from the sleepers it's probably not worth trying to put it back as there will be a slight "bump" which you will curse each time your stock derails on it. Keep it flat on the base board when you are manipulating it and you'll be fine.

David

 

[dwb]

QUOTE Oh I am confused now (doesn't take much to confuse me).

Perhaps this info might be able to help you more:

• DCC all over layout using mixture of Hornby and ? Peco Track
• Only modern made new released items will be running, manufacturers Hornby and Bachmann only
• Controls via Hornby Select.

Sorry about that. This Forum will always provide more information than you could ever want

well not in one sitting anyway.

Although you are only running modern stuff, let's simplify matters by dropping the idea of Peco code 75 "Finescale".

That leaves you with Hornby Setrack, Peco Setrack and Peco code 100 Streamline (That's the track in blue boxes). All these track types use the same size of rail so there shouldn't be too much difficulty connecting them together.

If your space is limited - say 4 foot wide max and you want to have an oval so that you can watch the trains go by, I'd stick with Hornby / Peco setrack curves and not bother with the flexible track.

If you aren't looking for super slow running over pointwork or don't mind giving engines a 'finger poke' when they stall on the dead parts of the points, stick with setrack points or the "plain" Peco points. That will keep the wiring a lot simpler too.

Summary simple solution: Stick with Hornby / Peco setrack and you'll be fine.

David

 

[dwb]

QUOTE So I understand, Code 100 is the same as Hornby Set Track, and the Code 100 Flexi Track is the same, again, as Hornby Set track?
As far as I know, yes they are but I have never joined Peco streamline flexi track to Hornby setrack. All code 100 rail is the same height. I don't know if the flat part at the bottom is the same width. This is where the rail joiners go so it's important that they are tightish fit on both parts so that you get a good electrical connection.

If no one comes along to confirm or deny it, I suggest you get hold of a yard of Peco streamline to check before buying a whole load of the stuff. Hornby to Hornby should be no problem.

David

 

[dwb]

QUOTE You can mix code 75 and code 100 without significant problem and for some applications, code 75 supplies the only suitable Peco track formation. Almost all modern wheel profiles will run on code 75 except for all style Trix and Piko but surely these wheels should be replaced anyway?

We should (IMHO) be giving the poster some help for the future and the present.

Code 75 had already been suggested but Breaston said he was suffering from information overload so we removed code 75 from the equation as it was over complicating matters at this stage.

When he has digested this lot of data and finds he wants electrofrog slips and crossings that's when we can introduce mixing and matching the two. One half of my layout is code 100, the other half code 75.

Maybe Breaston will be so emboldened by his experience that the skips the code 75 stage and goes straight to building his own with a little help from some of the very competent members on this Forum of course

. Just don't ask me.

David

 

[dwb]

QUOTE on which you can run 10 trains at the same time and you won't go far wrong!

...so long as you know exactly where the emergency stop button is.....

David