michl080 Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 Good evening, I am planning to build a short piece of track, perhaps with one or two turnouts. Searching the internet and this forum, I found C&L as the only kit manufacturer. Although the quality is great, I was wondering if there are alternative manufacturers of high quality trackwork kits. For continental -- mainly German -- layouts, there is e.g. https://wenz-modellbau.eshop.t-online.de/epages/Store_Shop00671.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Shop00671/Categories/Spur_0/Gleisbau_in_0 , which is great, but no UK track unfortunately... Any thoughts? Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Good evening, I am planning to build a short piece of track, perhaps with one or two turnouts. Searching the internet and this forum, I found C&L as the only kit manufacturer. Although the quality is great, I was wondering if there are alternative manufacturers of high quality trackwork kits. For continental -- mainly German -- layouts, there is e.g. https://wenz-modellbau.eshop.t-online.de/epages/Store_Shop00671.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Shop00671/Categories/Spur_0/Gleisbau_in_0 , which is great, but no UK track unfortunately... Any thoughts? Michael Exactoscale also do track parts, which some prefer. However both are really aimed at UK prototypes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted January 24, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 24, 2019 Exactoscale also do track parts, which some prefer. However both are really aimed at UK prototypes. I think the poster is looking for British prototype trackwork, Stephen. As far as I'm aware, and I could be mistaken... Exactoscale is only available through C&L anyway... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) Peco have a range of rail, chairs (running and slide) and timbers from which turnouts can be built. Their RTP turnouts are pretty good but the biggest issue is rebates in the stock rails for the blades. I'm out of touch with the goings on at C&L. Last I heard there were problems with on line ordering. Peco components are more widely available. John Edited January 25, 2019 by brossard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) I think the poster is looking for British prototype trackwork, Stephen. As far as I'm aware, and I could be mistaken... Exactoscale is only available through C&L anyway... Exactoscale components are (at the moment) only available from Exactoscale (4m and 7mm scales), EM Gauge Society (4mm scale only) and Scalefour Society(4mm scale only). There was talk that S7 would be doing the 7mm scale parts as well but as far as I know it hasn't happened yet. Ordering from C&L other than at a show will involve a phone call and there are no details on Exactoscale's website on how to order if you don't have a UK Bank Account, though I would think that should be possible if you ask. So not straightforward if you are not in the UK on either count. Edited January 25, 2019 by Stephen Freeman Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Peco have a range of rail, chairs (running and slide) and timbers from which turnouts can be built. Their RTP turnouts are pretty good but the biggest issue is rebates in the stock rails for the blades. I'm out of touch with the goings on at C&L. Last I heard there were problems with on line ordering. Peco components are more widely available. John I did buy some PECO chairs in 7mm to fit their Bullhead Rail but wouldn't use them out of choice. They don't do them in 4mm scale other than Pandrol clips for Flatbottom. Apart from the rebate in the stock rails there are plenty of other issues which have had plenty of airing in the past. 7mm scale Bullhead Rail is not correct profile Chairs of generic design. Pointwork non-prototypical geometry 4mm scale Chairs of generic design on flexible track Pandrol clips overscale but all there is of that type in plastic (there are other alternatives depending on prototype and track construction method). I could go on but it all depends on how fussy you are. There are so many variations in UK prototype practice that it is something of a minefield and no manufacturer is going to be able to produce something that is totally accurate in every scenario. You just have to compromise, how much is up to the you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 The peco track parts are easily available from Peco stockists or direct from Peco and are actually good value. Nothing wrong with them providing you use track gauges. They also provide pre-parts for both the common crossing, check rails and switch rails, but as you would expect these may well restrict you to Pecos geometry By using Templot you will be able to print turnout and crossing templates (plans) to what ever prototypical geometry (within reason) you require. As said a limited selection of chairs and Timbers available. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bri.s Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 25, 2019 Exactoscale components are (at the moment) only available from Exactoscale (4m and 7mm scales), EM Gauge Society (4mm scale only) and Scalefour Society(4mm scale only). There was talk that S7 would be doing the 7mm scale parts as well but as far as I know it hasn't happened yet. I stand corrected... I'll admit it's quite a while since I last bought track making parts, apart from some track gauges I'm sure C&L used to stock Exactoscale though, or am I imagining it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I stand corrected... I'll admit it's quite a while since I last bought track making parts, apart from some track gauges I'm sure C&L used to stock Exactoscale though, or am I imagining it? Yes C&L did but Andrew Jukes (Exactoscale Owner) decided otherwise. Full statement by Andrew on Exactoscale.com I think and elsewhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Excellent News, although a member I don't check up on the website that often but I shall have to keep an eye open for the revised price list etc. 143843E9-9ED9-42FC-8F78-8FED97CCB32C.png Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 25, 2019 Yes C&L did but Andrew Jukes (Exactoscale Owner) decided otherwise. Full statement by Andrew on Exactoscale.com I think and elsewhere. Thanks, enough said. At least I'm not losing my memory just yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 25, 2019 Scaleway also supply track and components. Sorry as I am using my phone, I can't do a link. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 25, 2019 Scaleway also supply track and components. Sorry as I am using my phone, I can't do a link. Scaleway only do 4mm... not 7mm, as specified in the title... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) Scaleway only do 4mm... not 7mm, as specified in the title... Of course SMP is part of Marcway these days but apart from rail and copperclad I see they do flexitrack in 32mm gauge. Of course the ordering system is again less than ideal. If I want to buy something a phone call is necessary. Edited January 25, 2019 by Stephen Freeman Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Scaleway only do 4mm... not 7mm, as specified in the title... Marcway sell a range of ready built (copperclad construction) turnouts and crossings in 7 mm scale (as ell as other gauges), they also sell track gauges, rail and PCB strip for 7 mm scale http://www.marcway.net/point.php They took over SMP (Scaleway) quite a few years ago which from memory was 4 mm scale with 00 gauge flexi track and some plastic sleepered turnout kits 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted January 25, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 25, 2019 I bow once again to my learned friends... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Just a quick heads up to UK 7 mm scale track builders from next Sunday (£rd Feb) Lidi have their disk sanders on sale again, these are just the job for quickly roughing the shape for Vee and switch rails, so they can be finished off by hand. Can be used for other scales but I find code 75 easier to do by hand with a filing jig https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/MiddleofLidl.htm?articleId=20015 Have the platform at right angles, those more talented could make simple jigs Easy to justify buying as has so many uses for DIY jobs at home Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted January 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 Slater's are still listing track components for 7mm. These are based on Midland Rly prototypes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michl080 Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 thanks for all the response. I start to get a better picture. Looks like Exactoscale and C&L are going independent ways today but were closer in the past. There are still quite a few references on the C&L website left. Apparently, C&L seems to be the easier way to go. I couldn't find any kit on the exacotscale website and the different types of chairs listed on their site don't go together to a complete set needed for a turnout. I guess I will try C&L. regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Freeman Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 There are no kits in 7mm scale which offer a full set of special chairs from either Exactoscale or C&L. Exactoscale chairs Have better definition and offer a bridge chair. C&L offer a 2 bolt slide rail albeit with a serious omission. Off the rails via shapeways are very good too, They also do a slab and bracket for GWR vees in addition to 3 bolt chairs and checkrail chairs (not GWR). Templot for templates and planning etc Hope that helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michl080 Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 Thanks Steven, that looks very promising, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 There are no kits in 7mm scale which offer a full set of special chairs from either Exactoscale or C&L. Exactoscale chairs Have better definition and offer a bridge chair. C&L offer a 2 bolt slide rail albeit with a serious omission. Off the rails via shapeways are very good too, They also do a slab and bracket for GWR vees in addition to 3 bolt chairs and checkrail chairs (not GWR). Templot for templates and planning etc Hope that helps. I have bought some Off the Rails parts and they seem to be of excellent quality, one word of caution many come with the keys printed separately, this involves fitting the chair first then the key. I have no idea yet if this either makes life easier or adds an additional difficulty to the build sequence. As Stephen has stated the chairs from Off the Rails mostly represent 3 bolt chair style, track in model form is the poor relation within model railways, with many modellers being not too bothered about the accuracy of the design. I think initially the important thing is to make a start, just have a go and see where it leads Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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