2 rail track choices

I believe Peco track is meant to simulate European track. Slightly different that US track, but they have a good reputation as far as quality is concerned.

Search this forum as much has been wriiten and discussed on this often posted subject.

As "Flanger" said, Peco simulates European track.

Atlas and Microengineering are your two main choices that I know of. You might want to avoid the ME weathered flex, as I am told it is really difficult to bend.

Simon

I agree with Simon, Atlas or ME are the 2 main choices.  The Atlas track flexs very well and I have heard the same thing about the ME weathered track being hard to flex, but I have never personally worked with it.  I hand layed mine just because I personally enjoyed it..now after hundreds of feet I am ready to have a beer...

Chris

Iv'e been tempted to purchase Peco track lately as I have been frustrated with my track laying progress, so I purchased a length of code 143 its good stuff, and its easy to get in Australia any hobby store will order it for you. It is more European,but once ballisted its hard to tell (three foot rule).If I could get Atlas or ME as easily here in Auss thats what Id buy,but I love my hand laid track, it just takes longer. If I had to choose between 3 rail and Peco, well it would be Peco. Its all about compromise and what works for your situation.        Stephen    (cTr...Choose the Right)

While Peco Code 124 is certainly European [ primarily British ] pattern, I don't think their Code 143 should be thought of as such IF one models modern US practice, since the Pandrol fastening and screws for the tie plates have become common here -- see photos, taken within the past two years, of NS mainline trackage, NKP Berkshire approved.

And I still say the matching Peco Code 143 turnout is the finest RTR turnout on the market. 

Best regards, SZ

 I don't have their O scale track yet. I had their HO scale products and I liked them. If you find a product that you like, go with it. there's something about a quality piece that can't be knocked. Each person has their own preferences.

 I'm so busy with my G scale right now, I still need to see some of the O scale concrete tie track. I like modern!

ME and Atlas track are great!!  There is a relatively new business building 2-rail switches that are absolutely wonderful and reliable.   Plus he will custom build you about anything you want.  Check out <cite>www.signatureswitchco.com   I have some of his switches on my modular layout.   I would say they are the best ready made switches on the market.</cite>

Jim

Thanks for the link Jim, I'm gonna check out their products.

Chris

Those signature turnouts look awesome, but at those prices for the custom turnouts (Y, Slip and Scissors) they'd have to perform like Swiss watches. Do you have much operation time on yours Jim? Have you had any problem at all. What code wheels do you use. I'm not trying to be negative but I've had some pretty bad built up turnouts form OP, BK and some of the others in the past. I virtually had to hand lay the turnout when I installed them as they were all out of gage and the points and frogs would pick wheels. Certainly don't want to have to re-gage a scissors switch.

Butch

Just a pic of some Peco cod 143 track , hand laid in back ground  Stephen   (cTr...Choose theRight)

Let me say this about Brads switches.  These switches are designed to take a beating.  If any of you have handled a Atlas #7.5 or #5 switch, you know that the throw bar is delicate and there are other issues.. plastic ties do not guarantee proper scaling. The pivot or hinge area of the points are delicate.   Brad has engineered these switches to run flawlessly. 

I have had no problem with the switches that he first built on my layout.  They are a little different than the ones he builds now and the current ones are much improved.   Tom T has talked about Brads switches and there have been many switches ordered and reordered by various active O scalers that are runners and they love them.  

He has built numerous 3-ways and double slip switches.   Remember that these switches are hand made and assembled.  They are gauged correctly and chances are that if your train doesn't go through it, then the wheels on your equipment are out of gauge or older deep/wide flanged wheels. 

The one thing I will say is, you get what you pay for and Brad guarantees his work!!.  His standard #6, #8, #10 switches are comparable with Atlas switches.   BK switches are not work the money... you spend a lot of time fixing them, he has samples to prove it. 

Compare them also with Lenz switches and the pricing is there.  http://www.eurorailhobbies.com/erh_list.asp?mn=36&sc=O&ca=55 here is a Lenz link to current pricing as a reference.   Compare Lenz double slip with Brads and the price is different but you can see the difference.   Do you want a switch that you never have to mess with again or one that is always needing adjustment.

Just saying.

Jim A.

In the interest of supporting the recent diversity in quality O scale turnout availability it should be noted this maker is also manufacturing high end pieces.

http://www.oscaleturnouts.com/

I looked at his switches at the nationals in Worcester and they are excellent quality and very realistic as well with frog and point parts from Right-O-Way.

Joe G. did a comprehensive review of these in OST.

Definitely worth the fair prices he charges.

Bob