Best Available Turnout

[wcu boy]

What is the most protypically accurate commercial turnout on the market today? I am fully aware of the Fast Tracks products, but I want to know what company produces the most protypically correct commercial turnout that is produced in today's markets. Some of my friends have stated that it is the Shinohara Walthers code 83. What do you all think is the best one?

[larak]

Well, I for one, like those best too.

  (inflation)

 

[cacole]

Hmmm .. trying to pick a fight, eh?  

Every time a question like this is asked, it ends up with no real answer because there is no "best" of any particular item.  Best is in the eye of the beer holder.

[ericboone]

What is the most protypically accurate commercial turnout on the market today? I am fully aware of the Fast Tracks products, but I want to know what company produces the most protypically correct commercial turnout that is produced in today's markets. Some of my friends have stated that it is the Shinohara Walthers code 83. What do you all think is the best one?

If you want the most realistic turnouts, go here:  http://www.proto87.com/  The only drawback, if you consider it one, is that they only sell turnout kits and are not ready-to-run.  Note that while the Proto 87 Stores specializes in Proto 87, but they do sell standard HO as well.  Here are the direct links to the standard HO scale turnout kits:

http://www.proto87.com/detailed-ho-turnouts.html

http://www.proto87.com/ho-turnout-kits.html

[tomikawaTT]

Hands down, the best available turnout is NOT a commercial product.  It is hand laid, designed specifically for the exact location in which it is erected, in perfect gauge and not limited to any manufacturer's geometry.  As a bonus, it co$ts less than any commercial product.

Hand-laying specialwork is NOT rocket science.  Even this arthritic old coot can do it.

Chuck (modeling entral Japan in September, 1964 - on hand-laid specialwork)

 

[selector]

You can nit pick all of them if you really want to, but I would have to say I favour the Peco Code 83 Streammline Series.  The overcentre spring is really great, and they work very well.  I have made Fast Tracks #8's and their #6 double-slip with I like very much, but I have to agree that they don't match the eye-level detail that some of the commercial products have, Proto 87 being tops in that respect.  I have no experience using Proto 87, but I have one Atlas, several curved W/S turnouts, several Fast Tracks, and only Pecos in the yard.  The last two are my favourites.

[wcu boy]

Hmmm .. trying to pick a fight, eh?  

Every time a question like this is asked, it ends up with no real answer because there is no "best" of any particular item.  Best is in the eye of the beer holder.

Let me assure you. I was not trying to pick a fight. I simply wanted honest answers. I am grateful to the other people who gave excellent responses. 

[WaxonWaxov]

The Votes So Far...

Shinohara: 1

Micro Engineering: 1

Proto 87: 1

Hand-laid: 1

Peco: 1

Atlas: 0

Fast Tracks: 1

[loathar]

The Votes So Far...

Shinohara: 1

Micro Engineering: 1

Proto 87: 1

Hand-laid: 1

Peco: 1

Atlas: 0

Fast Tracks: 1

Make that 2 for Proto87

[stilson4283]

The "most protypically correct commercial turnout" in my opinion is the Central Valley Turnout kit with the Details West frogs.  I have seen many of these turnouts in action on free-mo layouts in LA and I always drool over them.  Here is a picture:

http://www.detailswest.com/images/code_83_frog.jpg

Andy at the proto 87 sell the same kits as someone mention earlier.

 Chris

Lancaster, CA

[Don Gibson]

'What is the most protypically accurate commercial turnout on the market today?

PROBABLY the Micro-Ensineering. (CODE 83).  To top that, you'd have to go to  'Proto 87'.      I'd try the ME line first.

http://www.proto87.com/