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Which switch

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  • Member since
    February 2016
  • 150 posts
Which switch
Posted by Nickel Plate Road on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 3:40 PM

Good Day All.

   Been building my new H.O. scale layout in the new house. Have left-hand side (5×4 linked to a 2×10 butted up to a 2×8, these at in foot measurements)  I am starting to layout my yard and I would like as much bang for my buck. I am thinking of using peco code 100 model # S.L-91 compact turnouts at each end of a ladder 2 east 2 west 1 drill track 2 through tracks. Based on M.C.R.R Grayling MI roughly 1930s. Is this a wise choice before I spend $$$ on wrong equipment. 

Thanks for your help Angelo

Freelancing MCRR/NYC Northern Division - Angelo

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 5:50 PM

I haven't researched it at all, but Micro Engineering recently came out with a yard ladder system of compact yard turnouts. As far as I know, Pecos are shorter than Walthers, Bachmann or Atlas

As far as code 100 is concerned, lots of people use it, lots of people think code 83 is more realistic.  It's your choice I don't think one or the other is a deal breaker.  My current layout is 83,

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 9:10 PM

I think the Peco #91 and #92 compact turnouts look fine for yard useage.

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I use code 83 track, but really only because I have been able to easily fins all the Walther/Shinohara code 83 turnout I need. If I would have had difficulty I would have used code 100. Once the rail is painted it is really hard to tell a difference.

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If you are interested in a lot of up close realistic photography, then go with code 83 or 70. Otherwise, code 100 will be just fine.

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-Kevin

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Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 9:24 PM

It may not work for this design, but don't neglect some of the specialty trackwork like 3-way and curved turnouts.  They can really help in tight spaces and corners.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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