I intend using flexi track for my new layout but undecided which to use. Peco code 80 streamline or 55 finescale?
Which would be the best choice and why.
Thanks
Most people are tending towards the code 55 now. Where the flanges are its more like code 80, wheras on the outside of the rail a load of rail is hidden in the plastic. I have found the Code 55 flexi much stiffer and easier to form into gradual curves than the 'super flexible' code 80 which is easier to kink.
The main deciding factor will be the points really. as long as your comfortable with the tiny bit of extra wiring on the electrofrogs then code 55 will be the way to go.
If for some reason you want the points that only exist/ want to run much older locos, then code 80 will be the answer.
This brings us on to the insulfrog V electro frog debate.
Insulfrogs can be thrown together with no wiring and a single feed - ideal for repeated put down and pull up trainsets
Electrofrogs have continuous metal running surfaces so are a lot more reliable, the additional wiring is optional, is only a couple of wires (and if using peco switches and point motors will only be a couple of inches). The one thing to remember is 2 insulating joiners per point (on the middle 2 of the 4 rails) then you can add a switch, or just let the point blades do the work. when using electrofrogs each siding in a fan will need at least 1 electrical feed.
If planning for DCC then Insulfrog negates many of the benefits.
Well thanks for a very informative reply. My intention was for a dcc layout and using electrofrog points but I read somewhere that they can be controlled via dc? As my knowledge of dcc is limited, I just feel maybe this is a better option for me. But then again, I maybe wrong :)
I just saw your other post, I have just made a similar decision, decided on code 55 and happy so far :)
PS, is the user name from the suzuki ?
Quote from: polo2k on December 21, 2011, 09:33:24 PM
I just saw your other post, I have just made a similar decision, decided on code 55 and happy so far :)
PS, is the user name from the suzuki ?
No, Its my initials. Well obviously the 1 part isn't but you know what I mean. I did have a background in motocross though. ;)
just wandered as I had/have a couple of the suzukis and I thought it might be a happy coincidence :)
To my mind there is only one choice - code 55 (and electrofrog points, but that is another matter). Nothing produced in the last 20 years should have any problems on code 55 (and even most older stuff will be fine or can have wheels replaced).
Quote from: red_death on December 22, 2011, 04:44:17 PM
To my mind there is only one choice - code 55 (and electrofrog points, but that is another matter). Nothing produced in the last 20 years should have any problems on code 55 (and even most older stuff will be fine or can have wheels replaced).
The only locos I've experienced issues with are Fleischmann 0-4-0 tanks (deep flanges caused grounding out on double slips) and some very early Grafar with the same problem.
I turned the wheels down on the 0-4-0s.
Cheers,
Alan
There is absolutely no need to control points with DCC decoders. I have a DCC layout but all the points are controlled from a traditional mimic panel with switches and LED lights to show route settings. I also prefer Seep PM1 motors as they have a built-in frog polarity change-over switch whereas Peco motors require an additional add-on unit.
Quote from: polo2k on December 21, 2011, 08:44:10 PM
The one thing to remember is 2 insulating joiners per point (on the middle 2 of the 4 rails)
Are those needed in an end-to-end layout?
It's not the type of layout that dictates using insulated joiners but the pointwork itself. For example, a simple crossover using 2 points require the connection between the points to be insulated.
should do really. the centre 2 are electrically bonded. if you dont, then you will sort of get power routing, but for best performance from day one they are a no brainer just dont forget to power the inner rail after the joiners. The power can be nabbed from the opposite outer rail
I guess its code 55 then! :)
Thanks for the advice guys..much appreciated.
Rob