Thanks heaps, Byron. There's some real technical and practical information for me that I was unaware of. The point of sale, which for me is an on-line shop, doesn't provide that level of detail, so thanks for the insight.
Darren.
Cheers, Harrison. Thanks for the advice.
Welcome to the forum. PECO Code 55 Medium turnouts are remarkably forgiving and most locomotives go through them easily. (Code 80 Mediums are a bit sharper and may not work with everything, see below) Only the longest and stiffest six-axle power might require C55 Large turnouts. Best to test with your own equipment.
Although many (including, even Model Railroader editors) repeat the error, there are no PECO N scale “#8s”. PECO Code 55 turnouts all use the same #6 frog. The difference is in the diverging radius: Small 12”; Medium 18”; Large 36”. Code 80 Mediums are about a #4 frog with an 18” diverging radius, Larges are about a #7 with a 36” diverging radius. (Code 80 “Smalls” are actually SetTrack components with a very sharp #2.4 frog and a 9” radius – not recommended.)
Note that you can change the angle of the ladder with a small bit of curved track after the first turnout and a corresponding curve leading into each yard track. This shortens the ladder slightly.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I agree with Kevin, make sure the turnouts are good and lay them flat and no. 6 with work good. Anything below no. 6 will give you trouble with 6-axles, I know from experiance.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Thanks for the advice, Kevin. It's good to know that it's possible as it is difficult being a long way from a hobby store and have to import everything, so hence researching beforehand is best.
to the Model Railroader forums. Your first few posts will be delayed by the moderators. That will end pretty soon. Please stick around with us and join in the discussions.
.
You should not have any problems with #6 turnouts as long as you are careful with installations and run quality equipment. I used Peco #6's ion my second N scale layout and never had problems.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I am currently planning the first stage of my n scale model railroad. This first part is the staging yard. I will have large modern diesel locomotives and perhaps some large steam. I am constrained by space with my current design, and medium size (#6 I think) Peco fit, with a crossing angle of 14 degrees. Will I have derailments? Therefore should I opt for large size (#8) Peco electrofrogs, with 8 degree crossing angle, and change the design to accommodate?
Thanks, Darren