track for 009 layout

[John Prior]

Hi all

1st post,  new to the hobby I need some advice on which track to go for.  I am looking to build a freelance industrial type layout with limited passenger service.  Do I use setrack, streamline, code 55, code 80. the choices for a beginner are confusing.  Any help would be appreciated.

John

[Hobby]

If you want true NG track as opposed to N scale track then it's either Peco (Mainline or Crazytrack - in this case Crazytrack would be more suiitable) which is Code 80 or Roco or Bemo which are both code 83. Code 55 as far as I'm aware is only N scale standard gauge track. Whether you use setrack or flexi depends on the layout, many people (me included) use a combination of both!

If you are hand building track then you're better off with Code 60 flat bottomed rail which Peco sells for that purpose.

[Krizzy]

Firstly welcome to the world of 009 modelling. Regarding track there is nothing wrong with using Peco 009 track whether it be the new setrack or the long established flexi-track. The two complement each other and are compatible. I have recently relaid some track on a small layout using the new curved setrack that connects with older flexi-track and pointwork. The setrack is fixed radius of 9 inches so if a sharper radius is required use flexi. The same goes for a greater radius. Left and right points are 12inch radius and there are 'mainline' points at 18inch radius. These latter points are meant for larger narrow gauge tender and tank locos whereas the 12inch are suitable for small 0-4-0 or 0-6-0 industrial locos. Peco also produce a Y point of 18inch radius. Track that runs 'off stage' behind scenery into hidden loops or sidings can be N gauge. Many 009 modellers do this on their layouts including myself.

Hope the above helps.

Roger  

[B.Meldon]

Firstly welcome to the 009 Society and this forum John.

All the Peco 009 track has code 80 rail and the railhead is the same height above the ground so in this respect the different types, mainline, crazytrack or set-track will all work with each other.

The issue with tighter curves in 009 is more about the coupling overhang than the actual items of rolling stock. You will find that some small four wheel items of rolling stock with fixed couplings will give problems where some larger bogie items will be fine. (The Peco L&B coaches work on the 9 inch set track for example, even if they do look a bit odd on the tight curve.)

In general however the tighter the radii the more work you will need to do to make all the rolling stock and locos run through the curves.
As to the sleeper pattern, Westdorf is a mainline German prototype layout and has Peco crazytrack throughout. Once it is laid with long sweeping curves and fully balasted the uneven sleeper spacing is not notable at all. I am sure the same would apply to an industrial layout using mainline 009 track.

Whatever the prototype you go for all the 009 track all has to be laid perfectly without any kinks, dips or bumps as any minor imperfections can cause running problems.

Brian Meldon

[Elmgate]

John,

Welcome! I am not sure I can add anything to the advice above. I assume you have seen Ted Polet's article on laying track in the latest 009 News? I expect the following articles to be just as helpful.

If you do decide to go the self-built track direction, come back and several of us can give some tips.

Regards

Tim