Points or Turnouts?

[mojo]

Due to the apparent shortage of Peco track, I trawled Ebay recently to find Points.
One seller had this for sale:-
"N gauge peco setrack points LH #2"
The photo showed a correct LH single point on top of a Peco box, but lower down in the description it was stated that you may not receive this particular one shown as there were several for sale.

Needing 2 units and being suspicious of the dubious photo, I asked if there were 2 points in the item.
The reply was " the photo is clear there is only 1 pair of points"
A Pair?
"yes the points have 2 moving blades"

I gave up and looked elsewhere but is this terminology correct, a pair of points for 1 unit?

Maurice C.

[ntpntpntp]

It is fairly common to refer to a turnout as a pair of points and yet you'll also find the singular "point" used to mean the same as a turnout - confusing isn't it?!!

http://www.karenslittlerailway.co.uk/turnouts---points-or-switches.php

[devonjames]

That's an interesting question.  "Points" is definitely plural but I'd always refer to a "set of points" never a pair although I have seen them referred to as a pair before.   It's interesting because "turnout" is singular and so is the American name "switch".   Technically there are, of course, two moving rails in a set of points so I can see where the plural comes from, and as there are two then I can see how it can be perceived as a pair. Sometimes we do make life difficult for ourselves in the English language. You can see why the Americans call it a "switch".  Sorry, I haven't been much help but I agree you are well out of that particular Ebay transaction.

I wasn't aware that there is a shortage of standard Peco N gauge track. Why not give the factory shop at Pecorama a call and see what they can tell you about availability. They are very helpful there.

[stevewalker]

I presume that this is referring to an ST-6 - in which case Hattons have them in stock (10+) and I'm pretty sure that Walton's had them in when I was there last week.

[Gordon]

I've been around model railways and Peco track for 60 years.

Throughout that time I would say that the vast majority of railway modellers - in normal speech aka colloquially - say 'a left hand point', or 'a right hand point' referring to a single track piece eg PECO ST-6 or SL-396

I can't recall if PECO always used 'turnout' or whether they changed to using 'turnout' at some stage

[mojo]

One of my local retailers has had no metal rail joiners for months and has very little new track.
I did not want to spend for a new "turnout" yet as I will hack them about for experimental purposes.
Maurice C.

[njee20]

It's a minefield. I tend to say a pair of points because it's what most say, however turnout feels more accurate. The joy of language of course being who can say what actually is more accurate.

I do wonder if the #2 in the listing title relates to the size of the turnout - nomenclature more commonly used in the US rather than small/medium/large and relating to the diverging angle of the common crossing (or frog as only modellers call them!). A #2 turnout would have the rails 1" apart 2" beyond the frog, which feels extremely sharp, logically a 45 degree frog angle, double Al that if an ST-5/6.

Then on the big railway they're referred to as S&C (switches and crossings), which comprise closure rails, stock rails and common crossings, not a 'point blade' or 'frog' in sight.

From what you've said I don't see any ambiguity in the quantity of the items provided, but I think it's massively poor form to say "you may not get this item" so right to go elsewhere!

[mojo]

Apparently there was another item on auction which was listed as #1

I have seen the "photo may not be what you get" before so brings caution. If they cannot be bothered to take a real photo I generally stay clear
Maurice C

[njee20]

Ah ok, so just a listing number as much as anything. Sending something indiscriminately is really rubbish. Particularly on stuff like turnouts points. If you want a set track LH, it's not much use getting a large radius RH!

[ntpntpntp]

I would assume "photo not necessarily what you get" usually when the seller has several of the same thing available.

Frankly though I won't touch second hand pointwork other than if clearly still boxed and not been used. I've seen too much used and abused rubbish.   Stick with new track, it's the foundation of good running.

[mojo]

Yes I normally avoid 2nd.hand but they are to hack about
Maurice C.

[Bigmac]

much of my peco pointwork has been bought second hand--but mostly NOT off ebay..but from other modellers selling on the facebook groups.

Oddly enough--of the few i bought new--2 fell apart!

ive recently dismantled a layout--and am re-using most of the track and pointwork. 

[njee20]

I'd have more faith buying on eBay than FB. I certainly wouldn't place one above the other in 'reliability' stakes.