Peco Setrack VS Slimline

[Sion_OC]

Hi Guys,

I am considering doing a C shape (small U) layout based on a valley countryside sort of theme (DCC and Diesel from 60's-00's).

I would like to know the main differences with peco setrack and slimline (not including that SL is all flexi and the points are more prototypical).

I am quite adept in engineering (Masters in Electronic engineering and HND in Electronics and Mechanical) so I'm not scared of taking on the more complicated I just want it to look right.

I enclose a start idea of my layout which is done on "AnyRail" software using Peco Settrack.

Any advice would really be appreciated.

Thanks

[Flashbang]

Hi
Setrack is fixed sections of track in both straight and curved rail sections.
Setrack points are only produced in Insulated frog (self isolating) type.
Assuming "OO" track, the spacing between adjacent tracks is different by 17mm.
Setrack is at 67mm track centre to centre while Streamline is at 50mm spacing and is a more prototypical spacing.
Setrack in "OO" is sold with Code 100 rail only.

[Sion_OC]

Cheers for the reply Flashbang,

What is Code 100 compared with 75, 80 etc ?

Probably the question I should off asked is whats the best track for the smaller area to look better (Setrack or Slimline) ?

Many Thanks

[Flashbang]

Hi
Code 100, Code 75 etc is the rail height in thousandths of an inch.
So in "OO" code 100 rail is taller than code 75.
Code 75 is more prototypical and at times is called 'Fine scale'.
Modern locos and rolling stock will happily run on both but older items (to be safe say manufactured prior to around 2000) may have some wheel flanges that hit or run over the rail fixing chairs, as their flanges are too deep for Code 75.

Setrack is ok to use and as I stated previously is only made in the taller code 100 rail profile, but always use the largest possible radius curve section and avoid radius 1 curves as most locos are not able to negotiate these tight curves and will de rail, only 0-6-0 and 0-4-0 locos can normally get around these.

Personally any new layout I would now choose code 75 Streamline with live frog points, but I have been happily using code 100 Streamline for years. Streamline regardless of rail type looks better, points are longer and available in larger radius plus live frog points prevent any locos stalling on the plastic frog area on insulated frog points. I would make all curves to a minimum of 24 inch radius, but you may not have room for this?
However, if you're happy with the set radius of Peco/Hornby Setrack (they are fully compatible) then use that but don't use Rad 1 curves.

[Sion_OC]

Thanks again flashbang.

I'll have a look at both ST/SL 100 and SL 75, and play around with them on the "AnyRail" software because I can choose which manufacturers track and type I use.

Because I can put in a max work area size and can see which one is best for the size I've got.

Cheers