Peco - SL-336 - Track, Code 55, Way Gauge - Track, N Scale

Specific Item Information: A small but useful item to ensure the accurate spacing of double tracks in N along both straight and curved sections. Also gauges platform height to the recommended 7mm (3ft 6ins in 2mm scale).

Road Name History: Can't have model trains without track can we? The track on a railway or railroad, also known as the permanent way, is the structure consisting of the rails, fasteners, railroad ties (sleepers, British English) and ballast (or slab track), plus the underlying subgrade. It enables trains to move by providing a dependable surface for their wheels to roll upon. For clarity it is often referred to as railway track (British English and UIC terminology) or railroad track (predominantly in the United States). Tracks where electric trains or electric trams run are equipped with an electrification system such as an overhead electrical power line or an additional electrified rail. Text and Images From Wikipedia

Rail codes:
The code refers to the actual height of the rail. The followings heights are used for N-scale:
- Code 80 = 0.080" tall or about 13" N scale height - the mostly used for sectional tracks.
- Code 70 = 0.070" tall or about 11" N scale height
- Code 55 = 0.055" tall or about 9" N scale height - the mostly used by modelers wishing a realistic effect for their layout. Can be used with all modern rolling stock (low flange wheels).
- Code 40 = 0.040" tall or about 6" N scale height

Turnout codes:
The turnout number describes the length needed for the diverging track to be 1 foot apart from the straight one . So the lower the number, the sharper the curve, and the higher the number, the more gradual curve on the diverging track.
- In a #4 turnout, the rails are 1 foot apart at a distance 4 feet beyond the frog
- In a #6 turnout, the rails are 1 foot apart at a distance 6 feet beyond the frog
- In a #8 turnout, the rails are 1 foot apart at a distance 8 feet beyond the frog
Note that European brands such as Minitrix or Fleischmann use a different notation for turnouts and refer to the radius of the curvature of the diverging track.

Brand/Importer Information: Peco is a UK-based manufacturer of model railway accessories, especially trackwork, based at Pecorama, Beer in South Devon, England, UK. PECO business started trading in 1946 and is now in its second generation.

From quite early days PECO has concentrated its manufacturing skills in the direction of producing trackwork for the model railway enthusiast. Individual component parts was how it started but this developed into HO/OO ready made track with fibre sleepers. With plastics becoming more popular in the 1960s it was decided to introduce the famous Streamline range which over the years has become one of the world’s leading brands for not just HO/OO but all scales from Z to G. 2004 saw the introduction of yet another range with code 83 rail especially developed for the HO North American market.

Publishing is another aspect of the work undertaken at the headquarters of PECO. Railway Modeller, now in its 60th year continues to be Great Britain’s best loved model railway magazine with by far the largest readership.
www.pecopublications.co.uk

The headquarters or PECO, located in a most wonderful coastal part of Devon, has not unnaturally attracted visitors over the years and so it is that the site has become one of the country's most important tourist attractions. The Exhibition of model railways is there to inspire you and technical advice is on hand from one of our experts should it be needed.
This is not all, for PECO is set within beautiful gardens which are home of the famous 7.25in gauge passenger carrying Beer Heights Light Railway. Before you make your visit obtain a copy of our free leaflet or visit our website (www.pecorama.info) which explains in detail the facilities available as well as opening and closed times, ensuring that you will not be disappointed.