Model Railway Forum

Folk's,

Iam starting from scratch and want to make sure I get this right, large space up the loft and now starting to think Peco Sreamline code 100, can you plan your points crossings etc and then just join it all up with flexitrack?
Or am I better going with the tried and tested Set Track.
Whats the pros and cons of both systems, also will eventually be DCC.

Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

John.

What is your rolling stock and locos ? If they are fairly new you have a few options also what era ?
You have code 100
Code 75 finer scale
Also bullhead

I use flexi track so that I can plan my own curves and am not restricted by set track.

I use flexi but if set track curves fit a particular part of the layout I use them.

Most of my track is Setrack with about 5-6 metres of flexi where appropriate.

If I was starting again from scratch I would only use Streamline as the turnouts do look more realistic.

I recommend you get a copy of AnyRail track design software before committing yourself. Even the free version allows you to plan quite a large layout.

www.anyrail.com

Set track is easier and quicker to lay but you are limited to what radius of curves and points are available.
Flexitrack requires more effort to lay and takes longer but allows you to lay track exactly how you want it.

I've used a mixture of Set Track and and streamline code 100 (I've got quite a lot of old locos and rolling stock that used to belong to my dad which wouldn't like code 75).

Streamline points have a more realistic radii, but it depends what you have room for. Some of my larger wheelbase locos don't really like the standard Set Track Points, especially when used face to face for crossovers.

As my layout is a 'roundy roundy' I found it easier to use the Set Track curves at either end rather than try to get flexitrack into the correct radii.
Try to avoid using 1st radius curves (I had to use it for my branch line, but that only has short wheelbase locos and rolling stock, so which cope with it).

I found flexitrack useful for curved sidings etc and for straight lengths of non-standard lengths.

Like others, I use a mixture of set track where possible and points are also a mixture of set track and streamline. Whilst streamline points look more realistic they require more space.

Some of the streamline points look impressive, but so do their price tags!

Set track points are really ideal for sidings. The smaller the points the bigger the siding.

If on your layout some curves are the same radius as set track curve then use them. That’s my advice.

Thanks for your input everyone, seems I can mix and match a bit, I can see the sense in set track for the curved ends and maybe some streamline points. Now I just need to decide on a plan.
Was in the local model shop at the weekend, I was only going in to buy a level crossing for my grandson my daughter has bought him a small Hornby train set for Christmas but I ended up spending over £200 as I bought myself a Bachmann class 37, so the 'journey' has started