I think I've had my last one answered comprehensively :>))) so its time for another one triggered by that one.....maybe I jsut think too much! If I am building my layout in N scale, whats the recommended track to use? I'm especially interested in switches here because I know that getting the wrong type can be painful in a DCC layout (well, in any layout!), and I want to get it right from the get go. This will be my first n scale layout, and I wont be starting that small (Paul Templar's Raton Snake Valley layout, or as close as I can get, but with 20% of the scenery skills ). This has a couple of yards, a few branch lines, and a reversing loop.... The reversing loop would be removed in my layout (not that brave!) So...track brand and type? Switch brand and type? (live or isolating)
I'd suggest you also ask that question (without the DCC reference) on the N Gauge forum. DCC electricity isn't really that much different to DC, so a good turnout should work well on both. DCC seems to get more upset than DC by momentary shorts, so avoiding rails of opposite polarity being close together (like open turnout blades) is probably the most important thing to aim for. I suggest you also have a look in Wiring for DCC. He does have comments on suitability (or otherwise) of different makes/models of track, though I haven't looked for N in there, so not sure what he has for you. And, to quote someone from another forum altogether, "There are no dumb questions".
For turnouts, Peco is about the best you can buy....whether you're using DCC or not. I use (or will use) Peco Code 55 Electrofrog turnouts on mine...wired just the way I showed in that other thread down in the N scale forum about Electrofrog turnouts. I will also be using Peco Code 55 track just for the sake of being consistent. Just remember that Peco Code 55 track and switches will not mate with other brands of Code 55 without some modifications (filing) to the flanges on the bottom of the rails. It will, however, mate up with pretty much any Code 80 track. I really like the Atlas Code 55, but I wanted to use Peco turnouts and the two don't work together for reasons I stated above (I didn't want to file every turnout to make them work together).
Hi, Thanks for thinking of my old "Raton Snake Valley, which one was it the HO version or my very first N-scale "Ratob snake valley" If you need the trackplabs for both, just ask friend. Oh yes, I used Peco track & Points (Turnouts) for all my layouts, wouldn't change as they are very good. For N-scale use the code 55 finescale, this is the best N-scale track they have ever produced. Paul
Wow. That reminds me that I used the Peco 55 stuff when I was doing N . Must be 7 or 8 years since - is it still the same range or has it been revised? I was very impressed by that construction to give a flimsy look that was actually really strong. But I remember grinding the top of the turnout blades to stop some sharp flanges picking them running facing. I wasn't the only one with that problem because when I put it in the UK N scale magazine a lot of people went "aha!". Have they got thinner blades these days? (Or maybe the flanges have got better )
Paul, I would REALLY appreciate absolutely ANYTHING you have on that layout... pictures, track plans, observations, recommendations...ANYTHING. I;ve looked at an awful lot of plans and that one just grabbed me by the throat and wouldnt let go. Its the HO scale one... #3 on your track plans at your badger creek site. Everyone else...great replies. Peco Code 55 it is then (now, to find it here in Aus). Mike, whoever made that statement hasnt read some of my posts.... LOL
As far as track goes, I've yet to find any more reliable than Unitrack, ie no dead spots and no derailing. You could use unitrack and Peco turnouts (which I haven't tried but hear good things about.)
