News from your model shop - 23rd April 2023

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One of the most important parts of any layout is its points or turnouts.  Points are essential to the integration of different areas and themes within the layout as they form the essential junctions or nodes for different sections of the track.  They allow trains to change direction and access different parts or areas of the layout.  Many new modellers will start their layouts with some form of starter kit.  These will contain one or two basic points in order to develop a siding and thus add interest to a basic layout.  These points are a good option for starters but as they may have a sharp radius of turnout they can create issues such as derailment, especially when trains are operated at higher speeds.  Many layouts tend to grow organically over time as modellers look to develop the basic configuration with additional track.  This can sometimes result in the initial sets of tight radius points being replaced by more gentle turnouts which are more practical and tend to better reflect the real world.  In this newsletter, we will examine the options specifically within the Peco range for modellers looking to upgrade their turnouts with new and different options.

As previously mentioned, many new modellers will begin their first layout with a starter set.  For those modelling in OO/HO Gauge, this will inevitably be Code 100 track usually from Hornby or Peco which are fully compatible with each other.  This track is 0.1 of an inch high, which is almost 1/3 higher than it would be in real life.  Although higher in scale, Code 100 is durable and generally cheaper than alternative codes which makes it a practical compromise for many modellers.  The Code 100 Electrofrog Small Left-Hand point is a good option for a basic layout and also has a right-handed counterpart with the same configuration.  Similarly, for a more gentle turnout, there is a medium option in both left and right-hand configurations.  For the most gradual of turnouts, there is a Large radius option, also available in either left or right-handed configurations.  All of these turnout options are available as either Insulfrog or Electrofrog configurations.



Code 75 is another track configuration option available to modellers working in OO/HO Gauge.  Code 75, as the name implies utilises track that is 0.075 inches high and as such is far more accurate in scale height to the real world than Code 100, leading it to be called "finescale" by most modellers.  Modellers who strive for the greatest levels of scale accuracy may well opt for Code 75 for this reason.  One of the options available for those modelling in Code 75 is the Medium Radius Concrete turnouts.  Again, these are available in both left and right-handed configurations but also the sleepers are modelled to represent concrete as opposed to wooden track sleepers.  Another variation in the basic point is the 'Y' shaped turnout as exemplified by the Large Radius Y Point, this option is configured as Electrofrog.  More complex layouts may require their turnouts to be available on curved sections of track.  This can readily be achieved using options such as the Electrofrog Curved Right-Hand point or its left-hand equivalent. Please note Code 75 is not directly compatible with Hornby track but can be used with a small transition track.



For those wishing for more complex and challenging turnouts, there are a number of great options available.  The 3-way Medium Radius turnout could be a very useful option for modellers looking for further flexibility in busy areas of track, such as the approaches to a large station.  This is available in Code 100 in both Insulfrog and Electrofrog configurations.  A  similar variation is also available to Code 75 modellers in the form of the Asymmetric 3-way turnout.  For modellers looking to maximise the space they have in busy sections of their layouts, then the Double-Slip Insulfrog is available in Code 100 with an Electrofrog option also being available for Code 75 modellers.



For those modelling in N Gauge, there are also a wide variety of point options available, from the most basic to substantially more complex turnouts.  The Setrack N Curved Turnout is an ideal way to connect 2nd and 3rd radius track segments and is available in both left and right-handed configurations.  The Single Slip Insulfrog is both aesthetically pleasing and an ideal way to manage the required routing of trains into sidings or goods yards.  The Scissors Crossover Medium Radius is a great way to manage a complex routing requirement, combining effectively four medium turnouts meeting in a diamond crossing and creating a focal point on your layout.



The available options for points have never been better and Peco has a substantial catalogue to choose from in both OO/HO and N Gauges.  Whether it be a novice upgrading their initial points or more experienced modellers looking to create a dynamic and complex interchange there are a wide variety of points to meet all needs.  More challenging turnouts can provide both the fun of a modelling challenge and be aesthetically pleasing to see in operation.  Why not look at the options available for your next layout?

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You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.