A ready-to-use 00 switch?

[martin_wynne]

Looking at the switch in the Peco advert:

 

© Peco

 

it seems to be very acceptable within the limits of RTR production. I can imagine some track handbuilders might want to chop this part off to re-use in other formations with larger radii and flatter crossing angles. There's a choice of left and right hand.

 

It's clearly a flexible switch with solid blades, rather than the existing loose-heel stampings which I was expecting to see.

 

It's unfortunate that they have gone for a machined notch in the stock rail and thick blade tips seemingly machined on the back only. And the switch tips shouldn't be in fresh air overlapping the toe timber. They might be able to fix that in production. Or it might be possible to trim them back.

 

But all that having been said, I've seen far worse in handbuilt track before now, and you could hardly expect more at RTR prices and robust reliability.

 

Martin.

[martin_wynne]

Here we go. Re-using the Peco switch in a flatter 1:7 turnout:

 

 

Similarly by cuttng more off the Peco turnout a 1:8 turnout could be built.

 

(Using best available info and Peco downloadable templates).

 

Martin.

[RichardS]

Here we go. Re-using the Peco switch in a flatter 1:7 turnout:

 

 

Similarly by cuttng more off the Peco turnout a 1:8 turnout could be built.

 

(Using best available info and Peco downloadable templates).

 

Martin.

I wonder if it will be practicable to cut the webs and allow some curving?

[roythebus]

Might be the answer to a lot of problems for some. How much are they selling for?

[Andrew1974]

Might be the answer to a lot of problems for some. How much are they selling for?

I've not been able to find any prices yet. If any one does know I am would also be interested in finding out

[Ron Solly]

https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/track/peco-sl-u1188-large-radius-right-hand-turnout-bullhead-track-unifrog/

 

but can't find it on the Peco website

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

But all that having been said, I've seen far worse in handbuilt track before now,

 

You've obviously seen mine then!!

 

Mike.

[hayfield]

Don't wish to put a dampener on the Idea but most novice track builders have trouble with the common crossing not the switch, but I do see that having a working robust switch is a benefit, then there is the cost (which most baulk at when bullhead kits are mentioned) adding additional parts to a £30 turnout. Still I guess the idea will be of interest to some.

 

Perhaps their will be a new market in Peco large radii common crossings

[ianb3174]

You've obviously seen mine then!!

 

Mike.

He's not building a playhouse for the children...

[Mike Storey]

I think this is covered in the open warfare thread known as Peco Bullhead,  but the points are RRP above £30 sovs but are retailing at well below that on the box shifters. The gist of the argument now appears to have shifted to whether Unifrog is good or nay.

 

But the point is, it is what is it is - a vast improvement on what we have now, if you are looking for something that looks much more like a British bullhead turnout, with a solid as opposed to a hinged blade, that you can plonk and use, as opposed to a handbuilt version with infinite geometry, a lot of time and significant skill, notwithstanding it is to a scale that represents a full size gauge of about 4ft1, instead of 4ft8.5, Something most of us have learned to live with for many decades. It also does not allow automatic isolation of sidings, and requires extra expense on adaptation of the cheap and cheerful Peco point motors, if that is your thing, to make it work, if the finger in the sky is too intrusive. I am amazed at the wrath surrounding a specialist turnout, at a (relatively) affordable price, where so many people seem to expect it to cater for so many "train set" aspirations. But there you are.

 

I too, would have liked it to have a geometry that matched that of the Code 83 turnouts, but Peco have decided it should match that of their current Code 75 and 100 ranges. Fair enough.

 

It is extraordinary just how much venom Martin has had to absorb in trying to expand our knowledge about the geometry and comparisons of this product (on said other thread), There would appear to be a substantial amount of personal insecurity on the various subjects surrounding scale, electrical isolation methods, history, majorities, and on and on. Much praise to Martin for remaining calm throughout.

 

Availability of the actual thing looks like end of October to early November, depending on what the sales rep has promised your retailer of choice.

[hayfield]

Mike I do agree with most of your thread, and I do accept there are modellers who are extremely ham fisted, or have a total lack of being able to build anything, maybe just do not have the time to spare

 

But there is a myth that building track is either difficult and or time consuming. Like all things you need the correct materials, a decent plan (and set of instructions) and a selection of tools including gauges

 

Look at Airfix kits, why is it that some cannot even stick 2 parts together without having rivers of glue everywhere where as others turnout pristine models.

 

Building turnouts is a simple process, which needs basic tools and can be made easier using things like jigs, gauges and materials (liquid flux)

 

Whats hard in measuring and cutting a few timbers and rails to length? Or sticking a few timbers to a plan

Filing the ends of some rail to a point is not too hard

OK either soldering some rail to the timbers needs a little tuition and practice, or threading a few chairs to some rail again takes a little practice, neither is rocket science

 

I can accept that some do not like building track, that's fine, as its a hobby which we should find pleasurable. Also a very few just do not either have the coordination or patience to build anything . But in the end there are no massive skills required to build track, just the ability to follow a few basic and simple easy to learn processes.

 

As for time consuming, like all things with practice building become easier and quicker.