Integrating old Triang and current Hornby models and accessories

[ian_simpson]

Nearing retirement and planning to dig out my Triang collection (first set was a birthday present in 1957 - SR two car EMU) for a project to keep me occupied.  Have three versions of track and two styles of couplings. Also want to integrate some of the current stock.  Would be useful for some do's and don'ts from the experts.

[2e0dtoeric]

Another one for Adam to move to the correct (General Discussion) thread!

Welcme to the forum, Ian! Son of Triangman (SOT) might be best to answer that, when he sees it.

Edit for a typo

[LCDR]

 A number of things to watch for.

Wheel standards nowadays have got finer so your older stock may not like negotiating modern points, also modern models are more likely to derail through older points because the check rails may not always hold the flange clear of the nose of the common crossing (AKA frog). So - Running old stock on modern track, Do check your existing stock for wheel clearances, and if necessary replace wheels with those of finer standards. This is fairly simple for carriages and wagons but less easy for locos.  Running modern locos on old track, be prepared for occasional derailments.

 

Joining old track to new depends on rail profile. You used to get adaptor tracks and these do turn up second hand. Series 3 and Super 4 use a much larger rail profile, the standard nowadays uses Code 100. Series 3 geometry is different from Super 4 and System 6 which became the set track standard.

 

Older locos draw more current, so the cheaper controllers may periodically cut out from overheating. Do not skimp on a controller look for a good that will allow 1 amp current.

 

Different couplings need not be a problem. Most hook and bar types (lTri-ang, later Hornby, Wrenn, Airfix, Mainline, Bachmann etc)  will couple. Old Hornby Dublo and Trix which use the Peco knuckle coupler, will not couple to hook & bar reliably. Good idea is to have adaptor vehicles with one of each type at either end. Triang/Hornby sold a coal wagon and a horse box with this arrangement. Early Wrenn wagons (example the SR Utility Van) using former Hornby Dublo bodies and chassis can be modified in the same way because they still have the moulded attachments for both types of coupling.

 

I find it advisable to keep new and old seperate so far as possible as it is less 'hassle'.