I read somewhere,can't find it now. Why are some turnouts listed as ''North American Style'' ?
Is there a preformence difference? Track profile ?
Thanks
As I recall, it has to do with appearance - tie spacing and such.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
UNCLEBUTCH I read somewhere,can't find it now. Why are some turnouts listed as ''North American Style'' ? Is there a preformence difference? Track profile ? Thanks
It is about track geometry. Most European model train track has turnouts where the diverging route is a smooth segment of a curve.
Prototype turnouts are not built that way.
Most higher end model train track turnouts in North America have followed actual prototype practice with the points and frog actually being straight.
You can find drawings on the NMRA web site that will explain how turnouts are actually designed.
PECO came out with a separate line of North American style turnouts some years ago, hence the distinction between them and their other European/British style turnouts.
Sheldon
I have 3 Peco turnouts; 2 curved and 1 regular, and I love them. Until I'm ready to install turnout motors, I like that the Peco turnouts have a spring wire that holds the switch points in place.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I think the American track has different spike/tie plate detail as well. I recall seeing an MRVP video somewhere on the Beer Line which has a Peco European stlye turnout on one of the end moduales that does not match the rest of the Beer Line's track, though you'd have to look very close to notice. I guess in Europe they use a different style of spikes or something.
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
Not owning or having seen the Peco trackwork in question, I believe the difference would be replication of the "bullhead" rail used in the UK, vs the flat bottomed T rail used in North America. Bullhead rail is wider on top than at its base. Instead of tieplates and spikes, bullhead rail is affixed to the ties ("sleepers" in the UK) with cast steel fittings known as "chairs", using screws instead of spikes.
Instead of the 12-20 tonne capacity cars of the past, new higher capacity rolling stock has brought about the use of North American style T rail, especially on lines with heavy freight traffic.
Respectfully gentlemen, if you don't know, maybe you should defer to those who do.
I can assure you my explanation above is the correct one. Unfortunately I do not have a bunch of drawings and photos ready at my finger tips to post on this subject.
But again, the older original PECO turnouts have curved frogs and continious curved diverging routes. The "North Amercian" turnouts have straight frogs.
Fact is, no HO track has really accurate tie plates, spikes or other rail holding fixtures, while some are a little closer than others in that regard.
Any of you who use Atlas Custom Line turnouts, or Wathers turnouts can go to your layouts right now with a ruler and observe how the diverging trackage is straight in the area of the frog and past the frog.
Again, that is "North American" practice.
Model train track traditionally made for the UK and European markets are curved thru the frog.
PECO makes both types.....
[quote user="ATLANTIC CENTRAL"]Model train track traditionally made for the UK and European markets are curved thru the frog[/quote
Thankyou Sir, I knew it was more then just the looks,just couldn't recall
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You are most welcome, happy to help.
Sheldon's statement about curved diverging routes on Peco Streamline (European) track and straight diverging routes on American style track is 100% correct.
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Also, the ties on the american track have ties every 3 or 4 the same length as the prototype does. The Streamline track has all the ties different lengths on most of the styles.
Overall, the American style is more realistic for American or European trackage.
I would call the two lines "Train Set" and "Prototype" for clarity.
-Kevin
Living the dream.