Which O gauge track to use

Discussion in 'General Information' started by Mark4mm, Jan 25, 2021.

  1. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    With me moving over to 7mm railway modelling it's finding out which track to use.
    I'm planning to build a 4ft plank with just the one straight piece of track. Can anyone point me to which track I should use and if possible can you purchase wired rail joiners for this track. The reason why I ask is because my soldering is not very good.
    Any advice would be great.
     
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  2. Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    I use Peco Bullhead. Please don’t use wired rail joiners they are awful things. The weakest point electrically on track us where it is joined so why apply the power there. Have a go at soldering. Practice makes perfect. You really do need to be able to solder with a model railway. It isn’t a dark art just needs to be done properly.
     
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  3. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    My advice for a good result Mark is to purchase a length or two (or a few lengths) of Peco Flexitrack... you could buygood second hand stuff as I have in the past from Ebay and select the best lengths. New Peco track comes in one metre lengths so for your proposed new plank you would either need to add a small piece of track on or maybe consider reducing your plank to one metre, if you go for adding a short length to make up your proposed 4 foot then Peco do sell track connectors which will make electrical connectivity. You will also need a pair of Xuron track cutters which will snip the rails clean to the desired length you need.... much better than getting out the old hacksaw. I do advise you to master soldering as at some point you will need to solder dropper wired to your track but I sure a kindly person or two here would talk you through that one.:thumbup:
     
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  4. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    Thank you Walkingthedog for replying and pointing out about rail joiners.
     
  5. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    Paul thanks for the advice and information, this is most helpful.
    I think 1 metre would be sufficient for my plank.
     
  6. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    saves you a lot of grief just going for the one meter option and it you are forward planning then make the plank so a second one metre piece can be added later on if required... after all it would only be the height of a door in size. :thumbs:
     
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  7. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Hi Mark

    If you have a scrap piece of OO track spare.

    Turn it upside down, and cut away some of the webs between the sleepersmove a couple of sleepers slightly apart. Then take a piece of wire strip off about 10 to 15 mm of insulation, and tin the wire (used a good unhealty 60/40 Lead based solder - not the lead free stuff - ebay is a good source if you can't get it locally) then bent approx 4 mm at a right angle. Then tin the base of the rail, and finally bring the two bits together.
    Use a 25W or greater with a 5mm or larger tip, as these can deliver heat very quickly, allowing you to make the joint quickly before the rest of the rail heats up and melts the sleepers.

    Practice, Practice and Practice, and it'll come, that or 3rd degree burns on the fingers from holding the soldering iron in contact with the rail and wire too long - don't ask

    Here's a link to my first (and so far only) O gauge layout with the same number of points as your proposed layout.

    Another Bridge

    Paul
     
  8. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    Another option for track is 'Marcway', which I've recently bought 30 1 yard lengths of flexitrack, box of 10 is £60 whereas the cheapest box of Peco is £80 (Rails) and that's if you can find anyone with stock, as Peco is working on only about 30% output presently, due to Covid. I'm fortunate as I live about 16 miles from Marcway (598/600 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S9 3QS) so I can easily nip over there when we aren't locked down, but they do Mail Order. (No connection except as a satisfied customer). Their points kits are much cheaper than Peco too and quite easy to put together, but again you'll need to master the soldering iron, £38.50 as opposed to £46.50 for Peco RTR points. You really DO need to master soldering Mark, especially if you get the bug like me and go on to building brass and/or white metal kits.
    Keith.
     
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  9. Bonky

    Bonky Full Member

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    I agree with Keith here (but then again I live in Sheffield too). Soldering is quite easy to get to - say - 80% -which is all you need. A good large capacity iron + a suitable flux + leaded solder. Practise first on newly cleaned metal.
     
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  10. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    No, they are 914mm in length (3').... ;)

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  11. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    There is a great little plan in this weeks Model rail where they are building a small O gauge layout (excluding a fiddle yard.) About 4ftx 18inch and 3 points....

    I’m tempted! Very tempted! (I have more that enough to do this sitting in the loft - just don’t ask, Yorkie!! I just do!!)
     
  12. Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    I have two 1 yard lengths of Pecp O Bullhead I don’t need but honestly can’t be bothered wrapping it up safely to post. If anybody lives near they are welcome to have it......free.
     
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  13. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Ok, I'm asking..., How much do you have to do ?? :avatar::avatar:

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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