Peachy Posted August 11 Author Share Posted August 11 So my video reviewing the new set track production samples has been up now since 4pm yesterday and although it’s attracting plenty of views, there’s been almost no comments or discussion about wether people think this set track is a good/bad idea etc. Anyone on here got any thoughts? My personal view was, initially that bringing out set track was a waste of Peco’s time, and that I wished this announcement was for more Streamline specialist point work or concrete sleeper flexi. However, after actually using it, I was impressed with actually how well it performed. As a “Streamliner” I think the r2 could well be a good compliment to Streamline as getting the code 55 flexi to join sweetly is always a testing task. Also if they do bring out 3 & 4 I’ll definitely be looking at using it for a helix. The only thing that I think might have been better to do would have been to launch this as a starter set? But then Steve Haynes did say that’s likely to be next on the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox 17 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 It is a difficult one to answer but my own personal view is it has come a little late for all the newcomers. For just over 18 months now practically everyone bought a set so had Hornby track and continued with it, a lot of others bought individual locos and track pieces and with a lot of layouts on the smaller size set track is ideal. I imagine there are far more people with Hornby track out there in TT than there are with Streamline, especially new comers. Don't get me wrong, I am a big believer in Peco having used it in 00, N, 0 and my TT layouts for over 50 years. Even my large 3-rail layout was all Peco I had 3-railed. Apart from this coming out now the other issue for many users is it's geometry is completely different to Hornbys and therefore not really compatible for people to want it now if they have Hornby. I personally prefer the 45 degree double curves but do think the straights are expensive. As an individual piece of track they are comparable but they are a lot shorter meaning more are required for the same length of space. As you mention their curves would be ideal for streamline straights to prevent dog leg joints but I feel it is too late for most TT modellers now. There is also probably the issue of point work, I know some people, new starters, may not like the universal frog with dropper wire and would prefer the standard isolating points from all other set track ones. I know they may come out later but that may also put people off. No doubt it will pick up in a year or so when more people get to know of it. On a personal note I do not like Peco TT 120 track, I prefer the Peco H0m. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Allen Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) Just watched the video, was busy yesterday jet washing anything I could. I personally went with Hornby track because I'd not touched OO since around 1988 ish. I was finding a lot of the terminology and info a bit overwhelming. I wanted to build a simple loop with a few sidings, which turned into 3 loops with sidings eventually. My thinking was Hornby track, Hornby, Power, Hornby Locos - if anything goes wrong its Hornby and they can't blame any 3rd party for their bit not working. If I rebuilt my layout I would consider Peco track but then I'd be mixing it with existing Hornby track and I've read that it can be a bit of an issue. In reality I'd probably stick with the Hornby track, I paid a fair bit for all the track and don't want to do a Beeching (spit) with it just yet. In the TT catalogue there are some future track pieces to be released so fingers crossed in Sept/Oct/Nov if they announce new stuff they add these. It's good that Peco are bringing this out, the more choice the better for the users. New folk going forward could use and feel more comfortable with it. Edited August 11 by Tim Allen 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenkin Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 I am newcomer and as Silver mentioned, I've started with the train set. Then I decided that I want to do layout, but wanted to expand on what I have. Obviously Peco and Hornby are not compatible and continued with the Hornby. Actually it was required to have one part to be flexible (small S curve), I've bought Tilling flexi as it is compatible. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted August 11 Author Share Posted August 11 I do wonder if as @Silver Fox 17 suggested that Peco might have missed the boat on this? As @Tim Allen& @Grenkin both mention they’ve started down the Hornby route so will likely continue. Having used both set track systems now, I do think the Peco is better, but is the difference enough to do a “Beeching” and rip up all of the Hornby stuff? Probably not… Peco have insisted they are in this for the long run, so maybe the few 1000 or so who are committed to the Hornby system aren’t the customers they’re chasing? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobby11 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 If they'd have done it at the outset I would probably have used it, but to make the range saleable I do feel that have to make R3 curves as well to allow double tracl layouts. Just R2 seems a little odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) The selection just seems a bit… pointless? If you’re happy to use Peco points and all that entails, you’re probably not the market for set track pieces except for maybe curves but then R2 isn’t probably what you’re after. If you’re a beginner why would you buy any of this after buying a Hornby set and seeing the larger range of Hornby track pieces? The different geometry doesn’t help either. I think they’d have been better off concentrating on more specialist track pieces (single slip and curved points please!) OR releasing a full set like they have in N and OO with a nice magazine of track plans as an alternative entirely to Hornby track. Edited August 11 by moawkwrd 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenkin Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Not if anyone starting (new people) would not get a train set, they are too good value to be ignored. And then there would be a decision how to continue, not sure how many would decide to ignore track they already have 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox 17 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) 1 hour ago, Peachy said: Having used both set track systems now, I do think the Peco is better, but is the difference enough to do a “Beeching” and rip up all of the Hornby stuff? Probably not… You are sort of putting the question to others Chris and don't use the word probably but will you replace your test track, either Yes or No? No offence but your test track is quite small, as a test track would be, compared to a few Hornby layouts so in reality not a lot needs to be changed. I know at the momement there are no curves apart from R2 but if there were, or when they do come out is your answer Yes or No? Edited August 11 by Silver Fox 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Someone new to the hobby doesn't want to be faffing about with fishplates and cutting sleepers off expensive points and track to make it fit. They just need a smaller radius point in the set track style (can still be unifrog I guess), some buffers that aren't a kit and the aforementioned track plan book and they're there. Just seems like a missed opportunity ahead of the J50 and Green 08 coming out. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuLarge Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 So I started with the train set, but I have not stuck anything down yet, still at the assemble on the table top stage, but planning the boards. For me, if Hornby made flexible track, I would stick with the Hornby track. But I am at a crossroads with track planning modules and desire a little more flexibily and as @Grenkin am considering the Tillig. Now, if Peco were to make points that fit the 43mm standard centre geometry but were not toy like (as their N gauge ones) aka they were the same length as the streamline ones that @Peachy demonstrated will work with the set track straight lengths I would consider switching to Peco. So for me the race will be will the Peco points fit the bill and come out before Hornby bring out a Flexi track. 🤔 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-41ATI Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Hi, perhaps a recap re track (I have a large collection of European TT). Hornby's track geometry appears to be the based on Tillig, ie, including the R631 point, though not strictly as per Tillig since the Hornby points require LH or RH diamond crossing whereas Tillig has just a standard crossing, which is also the basis of their single and double slip. Also, using the Tillig R310/R631 curved points and appropriate R310 curves, curved crossovers can be achieved maintaining 43mm track centres. BUT Tillig point's do not have over centre spring locking (except for their pre-ballasted toy range) - therefore if Peco produced set track using Tillig's geometry, they would have a clear winner of a set track system (and would suggest Hornby and Peco work together to have just one system - Peco ?, even in futureHornby train sets ?) I have emailed Peco to ask if they would also consider curved points, single and double slips based upon their point's and diamond crossing, together with concrete sleepers track - hopefully soon so I can start my more to scale layout. I have also suggested to Peco that a standard 10' wheelbase wagon underframe (a couple of axle box types - plain split androller bearing - but not open fronted or Hybox, with shoe suspension, etc) would suffice for most BR and predecessor companies wagon types, with a multitude liveries of course. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukpetey Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 I’m with many other comments. I started with a Hornby train set (I have 2 now and a third on order) because they are such good value for money. Since Hornby and Peco track aren’t compatible, I won’t be buying any. In addition the range offered is currently very limited. I suspect for most coming into this hobby for the first time, the sheer value of the Hornby sets makes it a no-brainer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) 2 minutes ago, ukpetey said: I’m with many other comments. I started with a Hornby train set (I have 2 now and a third on order) because they are such good value for money. Since Hornby and Peco track aren’t compatible, I won’t be buying any. In addition the range offered is currently very limited. I suspect for most coming into this hobby for the first time, the sheer value of the Hornby sets makes it a no-brainer Just to clarify - Peco track IS compatible with Hornby, just the straights they've just released have different lengths and their streamline points result in different track spacing... but there's nothing stopping you physically connecting a piece of Hornby track with Peco track - just have to use Hornby fishplates in my experience as the Peco ones will not fit Hornby without resulting in a lot of swearing and possibly bloodloss. Edited August 11 by moawkwrd 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-41ATI Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Also to add the Peco points have track centre spacing of 35mm - quite appropriate for British outline - for my European outline layout I use 38mm on visible sections, but revert to 43mm track centres for hidden sidings, etc (need to take account of vehicle overthrow) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox 17 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) 3 minutes ago, moawkwrd said: Just to clarify - Peco track IS compatible with Hornby, just the straights they've just released have different lengths and their streamline points result in different track spacing... but there's nothing stopping you physically connecting a piece of Hornby track with Peco track - just have to use Hornby fishplates in my experience. Compatible in joining up yes, but not in geometry, a 45 degree curve will not fit into the 30 degree ones. Being pedantic you could say 2 x Peco 45 ones can be used with 3 x Hornby 30 ones but what is the point of that? Plus, the straight even though it is shorter is not usable on one side of the layout to Hornby on the other as the dimension will not make up to a Hornby one 118 versus 166. Edited August 11 by Silver Fox 17 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenkin Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 6 minutes ago, moawkwrd said: Just to clarify - Peco track IS compatible with Hornby, just the straights they've just released have different lengths and their streamline points result in different track spacing... but there's nothing stopping you physically connecting a piece of Hornby track with Peco track - just have to use Hornby fishplates in my experience as the Peco ones will not fit Hornby without resulting in a lot of swearing and possibly bloodloss. They have different height, aren't they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukpetey Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 2 minutes ago, Silver Fox 17 said: Compatible in joining up yes, but not in geometry, a 45 degree curve will not fit into the 30 degree ones. Being pedantic you could say 2 x Peco 45 ones can be used with 3 x Hornby 30 ones but what is the point of that? If it’s not fully compatible it’s no use to me. As a newbie some aspects of this hobby are complicated enough without further adding to that. For those who want peco track, I’m pleased they have added to their range: it has to be good for the scale and the hobby generally. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Grenkin said: They have different height, aren't they? No, both are effectively code 80. Peco is code 55 in name only as the remaining code 25 of rail is buried in the sleeper base. Edited August 11 by moawkwrd 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox 17 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 (edited) One thing I have just realised is what will the other radii be? It is mentioned that 2 Peco points give a 35mm spacing so does that mean any new radii will follow suit and be different to Hornby, or stay at 43 meaning the points will need a short length between them? Edited August 11 by Silver Fox 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenkin Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 4 minutes ago, moawkwrd said: No, both are effectively code 80. Peco is code 55 in name only as the remaining code 25 of rail is buried in the sleeper base. I need photos for proof, I've heard to many times they are different Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Just now, Grenkin said: I need photos for proof, I've heard to many times they are different Added above 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenkin Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 1 minute ago, moawkwrd said: Added above 🙂 Isn't Peco rail is out of fishplate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted August 11 Author Share Posted August 11 37 minutes ago, Silver Fox 17 said: You are sort of putting the question to others Chris and don't use the word probably but will you replace your test track, either Yes or No? No offence but your test track is quite small, as a test track would be, compared to a few Hornby layouts so in reality not a lot needs to be changed. I know at the momement there are no curves apart from R2 but if there were, or when they do come out is your answer Yes or No? 38 minutes ago, Silver Fox 17 said: You are sort of putting the question to others Chris and don't use the word probably but will you replace your test track, either Yes or No? No offence but your test track is quite small, as a test track would be, compared to a few Hornby layouts so in reality not a lot needs to be changed. I know at the momement there are no curves apart from R2 but if there were, or when they do come out is your answer Yes or No? To answer question, will I replace my Hornby test track with Peco? Well no…and yes 🤣, because it’s already been taken up and donated to my club. To clarify, I’m now building a short shunting puzzle at my club using predominantly Hornby (but with a Peco HOm double slip shoehorned in) And my ongoing small show layout “Camelot” is built using Peco streamline. Going forward, my plans for a larger layout will be to use Peco (hopefully with Peco set track r3 & r4 used in a helix) if… and it’s a big IF Peco bring this stuff out within the next 12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moawkwrd Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 1 minute ago, Grenkin said: Isn't Peco rail is out of fishplate? No, that's the Peco rail profile - the double T design. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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