01-10-2014, 10:56 AM
sailormatlac Wrote:IMPROVING A CODE 83 PECO TURNOUT:
About the Code 83 turnout: If you know the PECO Code 100 turnouts well, they have small bulges (or pins) on each side of the throwbar that help to operate them with your fingers. The Code 83 turnouts lack these pins making them hard and frustrating to operate (it was our main concern about them when we decided to redo the track). However, they have a hole on each side of the throwbar where code 100 have the pins. Two weeks ago, I found out I could glue small bits of styrene rod into these holes to replicate the pins of a Code 100 turnout. That way, you get the best of both worlds in term of look and operability. Wish I had pictures of that. Hope I'm clear enough! Looks better than a huge operating switchstand.
Matt, thank you for the quick tutorial! It does make sense, and that sounds like a good idea to modify any turnouts that can be worked that way.
Quote:Overall you plan is a good one but 1iIt seems you plan has alot of mainline trackage. So spots for more industries & the yard tracks suffer.
Andy, thank you for the compliment, critique, and ideas. I had considered doing some of the things you mentioned. I am one of the few people who enjoy just watching the trains run as well as operating. I find the sound of the wheels rolling along just as cathardic as music. So I had to sacrifice some of the original yard size and operating areas to have two trains that can always be going... It was a tough choice to be honest. But this layout is attached to the walls all the way around, so I may try to add some industries as you suggested. As for the car shop and shoving platform spur, I am looking to put that on the spur closest to the inside of the room at the top of the drawing.