HELP & ADVICE
The PECO Technical Advice Bureau has been answering modellers' questions for decades. Below are the questions we are asked most often, grouped by topic. If your question is not covered here, get in touch and ask our techinal advice team.
Scales and Gauges
What is HO/OO?
What is HO/OO?
The letters HO and OO refer to the scales the models are built to. HO scale represents 3.5mm to 1 foot (1:87), whereas OO represents 4mm to 1 foot (1:76). Trackwork manufactured and packaged by PECO is classified as suitable for both HO and OO, but strictly speaking is designed and made to HO standards. Standard gauge for prototype track is 4 feet 8½ inches, and at a HO scale of 1:87 that equals 16.5mm. For various reasons the popular scale for British outline models (as made by Hornby, Bachmann and others) is OO, yet from inception these have largely run on HO track. Technically this is incorrect, being over 2mm too narrow, but the majority of enthusiasts have accepted the anomaly. HO is used in virtually every country other than Great Britain.
What is OO9?
What is OO9?
This refers to narrow gauge, a gauge less than the standard 4 feet 8½ inches. The OO is the scale being modelled, 4mm to 1 foot (1:76), and the 9 is the gauge, 9mm. OO9 therefore represents a track gauge of approximately 2 feet. Many modellers working in OO like to include a little narrow gauge alongside their mainline as an added attraction, where OO9 can act as a feeder line from an industrial area or quarry.
What is the difference between scale and gauge?
What is the difference between scale and gauge?
PECO manufactures track and accessories across a wide range of scales to suit modellers worldwide. The range covers Z (1.5mm), N (2mm), TT:120 (2.54mm), HO (3.5mm), OO (4mm), O (7mm), Gauge 1 (10mm), G-45 (13.5mm) and SM-32 (16mm). Whatever the size of your layout or the space you have available, there is a PECO system to suit.
Rail Codes and Track Standards
What do the different codes relating to rail sections mean?
What do the different codes relating to rail sections mean?
Used by many track manufacturers, code numbers refer to the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch. Code 100 represents 100 thousandths of an inch, or one tenth of an inch. Code 80 rail, as used in N gauge, represents 80 thousandths of an inch, and so on.
In HO/OO why is there a choice of rail sections, Code 75, Code 100 and Code 83?
In HO/OO why is there a choice of rail sections, Code 75, Code 100 and Code 83?
enthusiasts building a model railway. It looks good, is strong and robust, and is ideal for the first-time modeller. Over time track products have become more refined and accurate to scale, hence the introduction of Code 75, which is a little smaller. Today virtually all ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock can be used with Code 75. It should not be classed as fine scale, although it is finer looking. The one slight disadvantage is that the smaller rail section is less robust than Code 100 and should be handled with more care. Although Code 100 looks excellent when laid and ballasted, Code 75 looks even better, being closer to accurate scale. Code 83 trackwork, as manufactured by PECO, is made specifically for the North American market and follows their track standards and designs. It is therefore not suitable for those modelling British or European outline.
What is the difference between Setrack and Streamline?
What is the difference between Setrack and Streamline?
Setrack is fixed-geometry sectional track. The curves and straights come in set lengths and radii that fit together in a predictable way, which makes it ideal for beginners, train-set style layouts and anyone who wants to plan using standard pieces. Streamline is flexible track supplied in long lengths, together with a full range of individual turnouts. It gives the modeller complete freedom to design their own track plan with smooth, flowing curves of any radius. Many layouts use both, with Setrack for a quick reliable circuit and Streamline where a more realistic, custom alignment is wanted.
Can I join Setrack and Streamline, or mix Code 75 and Code 100?
Can I join Setrack and Streamline, or mix Code 75 and Code 100?
Yes. Setrack and Streamline of the same gauge share the same rail and can be joined with standard rail joiners. Joining different rail codes, for example Code 100 to Code 75, is also possible using PECO transition rail joiners, which step the railhead down so the running surfaces line up correctly. Always check that the railhead tops are level across the joint so that wheels run through smoothly.
Turnouts, Points and Crossings
What is the difference between Insulfrog and Electrofrog?
What is the difference between Insulfrog and Electrofrog?
The frog is the V-shaped crossing point where two rails meet at a turnout. Insulfrog turnouts have a frog made from insulating material, so there is no electrical connection through it. They are simple to use, require no extra wiring and are well suited to beginners and DC layouts. Electrofrog turnouts have a live metal frog, which gives better electrical continuity and slow-running performance, particularly for short-wheelbase locomotives, but they require insulated rail joiners on the frog rails and some additional wiring to avoid short circuits. Both types are suitable for DCC when wired correctly.
Which turnouts should I use on a DCC layout?
Which turnouts should I use on a DCC layout?
All PECO turnouts are suitable for use on a DCC layout. To ensure short circuits cannot occur, and that turnouts are not power-routing, insulated rail joiners must be placed on both frog rails of every point. If you use crossings, the wiring will differ depending on whether you use Insulfrog or Electrofrog, but we can supply a wiring diagram if you contact us. For single or double slips the wiring will vary, but the instruction leaflet supplied with these items should provide the correct information. If you are still unsure where to place track power feeds and rail breaks, we can help. Send us a clear drawing of your layout plan with enough space for us to add the feeds and breaks, and we will mark them on for you. Please enclose an SAE for the return of your plan. Note that Hornby de-isolating clips should not be used with PECO turnouts.
How do I operate my turnouts?
How do I operate my turnouts?
PECO turnouts can be operated by hand, by a manual lever, or by a point motor for remote and automated control. The PECO range includes solenoid point motors that clip directly beneath the turnout, surface-mounted motors, and the slow-action options in the range for a more prototypical movement. The right choice depends on whether your baseboard allows below-board mounting and whether you are operating on DC or DCC. The instruction leaflet supplied with each motor gives full fitting and wiring detail.
DCC and Electrification
What is the difference between DC and DCC?
What is the difference between DC and DCC?
On a traditional DC (Direct Current) layout, you control the track, varying the voltage to the rails to make a locomotive speed up, slow down or change direction. Only one locomotive can be controlled independently per electrically isolated section. On a DCC (Digital Command Control) layout, the track carries a constant supply plus a digital signal, and each locomotive contains a decoder with its own address. This lets you control several locomotives independently on the same track, along with lighting, sound and accessories. PECO track is suitable for both DC and DCC operation.
What size wire should I use for wiring my DCC layout?
What size wire should I use for wiring my DCC layout?
from the control unit, run around under the layout like a ring main. These can be the red and black wires from a piece of 13amp mains cable, but the wires must be removed from the outer grey or white casing to ensure there is no risk of confusing them with real mains cable. All track power feeds are soldered to the bus wires, then taken through small holes in the baseboard and soldered to the track in the correct positions. The wire to use for the feeds is 16/0.2mm wire, PECO item PL-38, available in a choice of colours.
Layout Planning and Construction
What is the steepest gradient I can use?
What is the steepest gradient I can use?
The steepest gradient we would recommend is 1 in 36, meaning the track rises no more than 1 inch for every 36 inches travelled. An easy way to calculate this with flexible track is to remember that PECO flexible track comes in 36 inch lengths.
What is the minimum radius I can use?
What is the minimum radius I can use?
The minimum radius you can use depends on the scale you are modelling and the length of the locomotives and rolling stock you intend to run. Larger and longer vehicles need more generous curves to look right and to run reliably, while short-wheelbase stock will negotiate tighter curves. As a general principle, use the largest radius your available space allows, as broad curves both look more realistic and run more smoothly. The PECO Setrack range quotes a set radius for each curved piece, which makes planning straightforward.
Where is the radius of track measured to?
Where is the radius of track measured to?
Track radii are always measured to the centre of the track. Some points have a nominal radius quoted; this is because the curved section of a point is in fact a compound curve, so a nominal radius is given as an average.
Scenery, Ballast and Landscaping
How do I ballast my track?
How do I ballast my track?
Ballasting brings a layout to life and holds the track in place. Spread the ballast evenly along and between the sleepers using a small brush to tidy the edges and clear the sleeper tops and any moving parts of turnouts. Once you are happy with the spread, wet the ballast with a fine mist of water containing a drop of washing-up liquid, then apply diluted PVA glue with a pipette or dropper. Leave it to dry thoroughly before running trains. Take particular care to keep glue and ballast away from the moving blades and the mechanism of any turnouts.
What ballast should I use for my scale?
What ballast should I use for my scale?
Choose a ballast grade appropriate to your scale, as over-sized stones are one of the most common things that make a layout look toy-like. Finer grades suit N and smaller scales, with coarser grades for O and the larger gauges, and OO sitting in between. The PECO P-Way range offers ballast in suitable grades and a choice of colours to match different regions and eras.
How do I weather my track?
How do I weather my track?
Real track is rarely bright and clean. Painting the rail sides a rusty brown and toning down the sleepers makes a dramatic difference to realism. Use a fine brush or an airbrush, keeping paint off the railhead top where the wheels make contact and off the moving parts of turnouts. Build colour up gradually in thin coats. A light dusting of weathering powders or a wash afterwards helps blend the track into the surrounding scenery.
What can I use to create realistic scenery?
What can I use to create realistic scenery?
Realistic scenery is built up in layers and using the WWScenics Pro Grass Layering System static grass range (exclusively distributed by PECO) is the perfect way to achieve this. Using static grass is a very rewarding method and with judicious use of fibre lengths and colours you can create a very convincing outcome. After establishing the landscape you want additional details such as trees, tufts, hedges, etc can be added.
Getting Started
I am new to the hobby. What do I need to start a model railway?
I am new to the hobby. What do I need to start a model railway?
At its simplest you need track, a controller and power supply, and a locomotive with some rolling stock. From there a baseboard to build on, a track plan, and scenery materials let you develop a complete layout. Many people begin with a train set or a simple oval of Setrack to get trains running quickly, then expand into a permanent layout as their interest grows. Our Technical Advice Bureau is always happy to help you get started.
Which scale should a beginner choose?
Which scale should a beginner choose?
The best scale depends mostly on the space you have. OO is the most popular British scale, with the widest choice of ready-to-run models, and is a sound starting point for most people. N is roughly half the size and lets you fit more railway, or a longer run, into the same space. Larger scales such as O have real presence but need considerably more room. As a rule, choose the largest scale your available space comfortably allows.
What is the difference between a train set and a layout?
What is the difference between a train set and a layout?
A train set is a ready-to-run starter package, typically a locomotive, some rolling stock, a controller and an oval of track, designed to get you running quickly out of the box. A layout is a more permanent model railway built on a baseboard, with a planned track design, scenery and operation developed over time. Many modellers begin with a set and progress to building their own layout as their confidence grows.
How much space do I need?
How much space do I need?
You can build an enjoyable railway in almost any space, from a board that fits under a bed to a dedicated room. Smaller scales such as N make the most of limited space, while a shelf layout or a micro layout can pack a lot of interest into a very compact area. The key is to plan the railway around the space you have rather than waiting for more room.
Track Laying and Baseboards
How do I lay my track?
How do I lay my track?
Plan the layout first, ideally testing the arrangement loosely before fixing anything down. Lay the track on a smooth, level baseboard, using cork underlay to cushion it and reduce running noise. Fix the track with track pins or a thin bead of adhesive, taking care not to distort the gauge or kink flexible track on curves. Check that rail joints are smooth and that turnouts move freely before ballasting. Test running thoroughly at this stage saves a great deal of correction later.
How do I cut flexible track?
How do I cut flexible track?
Use a fine-toothed razor saw or a track cutter designed for the job, cutting cleanly through the rail at the required point. After cutting, file the rail end smooth and remove any burr so that rail joiners slide on easily and wheels run through without catching. Cut on the waste side of your mark so you can dress the end back to the exact length.
What should I fix my track down with?
What should I fix my track down with?
Track can be fixed with track pins pushed through the pre-formed holes in the sleepers, or with a thin layer of adhesive. Many modellers combine a cushioning underlay with a small amount of adhesive, then rely on the ballast and glue to hold everything firmly once dry. Avoid over-fixing, as track that is pinned down too hard can be distorted and lose its smooth alignment.
What underlay should I use?
What underlay should I use?
An underlay cushions the track, smooths the running surface and significantly reduces noise. Foam and cork are both widely used. PECO supplies tailored track underlay shaped to suit the track system, which makes for a tidy result and a realistic raised trackbed.
Products, Spares and Stockists
Where can I buy PECO products?
Where can I buy PECO products?
PECO products are available from model shops and specialist retailers worldwide. To find your nearest stockist, use our Find a Stockist page.
Can I buy spare parts?
Can I buy spare parts?
Many PECO items have spare parts available. Please contact us with the product and the part you need, and we will advise on availability.
Where can I find the current price list?
Where can I find the current price list?
The current PECO price list is available on our website.
What underlay should I use?
What underlay should I use?
An underlay cushions the track, smooths the running surface and significantly reduces noise. Foam and cork are both widely used. PECO supplies tailored track underlay shaped to suit the track system, which makes for a tidy result and a realistic raised trackbed.
Publications and Subscriptions
What magazines does PECO publish?
What magazines does PECO publish?
PECO publishes Railway Modeller, the long-established magazine for British outline modelling, and Continental Modeller, dedicated to European and overseas railways. Both are available to buy individually or by subscription.
How do I subscribe?
How do I subscribe?
Subscriptions for both magazines are available through our subscriptions service, with print and digital options.
Are digital editions available?
Are digital editions available?
Yes, both Railway Modeller and Continental Modeller are available in digital editions.
Get In Touch With TAB
Call us Monday to Thursday for advice straight from the source, email us any time, or call into our shops in Edinburgh and Beer for help in person. And if you would like to build your skills for the long run, our modelling courses at Beer offer expert guidance in your chosen area. Whatever the question, you will find people who know the products, love the hobby and want your layout to succeed.
