Question about track....

[garymck]

Hello,

first post here so hope it is in the right section.

 

Some years ago I bought some Peco Streamline track - at a time when I new less than nothing - now I just know nothing :-)  I intended to build a small n scale layout, but a hip replacement, heart attack, bypass surgery and shift of home got in the way. I've now pulled out the track to start work. At this  point I don't have a track plan in mind. I have at my disposal currently:

7 right hand Streamline small radius points electro frog

9 left hand Streamline small radius points electro frog

1 box of Streamline wooden tie flex track

1 small Streamline crossover

 

I keep reading that small radius points are not much chop - is that the case? Can I use them? Where in a layout could I use them if they are a problem? Do I have to replace them with medium and large radius points?

 

Your help appreciated,

cheers

Gary

[Kris]

Small streamline points are okay, it's the set track ones that cause the problems. Medium and large radius points look much better, particularly for mainlines. 

[DenysW]

Read carefully about how to wire electrofrog points. They seem to be a marmite decision that I'm actually neutral about.

 

Pro: they are less prone to having locomotives stall on them as they get to an electrically-dead section

Con: they need bypass wiring and use of non-conducting fishplates because they can cause you to connective +-ive to -ive on sections of track isolated by points.

 

On the permanent layout where the wires get covered by the ballast: fine. On a temporary layout where you are just working out what you want: grrrrr.

[garymck]

Thank you both for your replies,

 

I can start track planning using what I have and perhaps purchase some longer points in future depending on my final track plan. I've also been looking at how electro frog points need to be wired for DCC (I have an NCE Powercab stored as well....

 

 

cheers

Gary

[kevinlms]

12 hours ago, garymck said:

Thank you both for your replies,

 

I can start track planning using what I have and perhaps purchase some longer points in future depending on my final track plan. I've also been looking at how electro frog points need to be wired for DCC (I have an NCE Powercab stored as well....

 

 

cheers

Gary

The Electro frog points don't HAVE to be modified for DCC operation. However it is best if they are modified. This holds true for BOTH DC & DCC layouts.

 

The modification is there to improve reliability, hence why it is good practice, NOT because one type of electricity needs it more than the other!

[BR60103]

The reason the mdification of the points is associated with DCC is that the circuit breaker in DCC is more sensitive and faster than most DC ones.  A DC loco shorting on the points will tend to blip a little then carry on. In DCC the power unit will shut down and everything in the district wil come to a halt.

A friend had that problem even though his points and wheels were to NMRA standard.