Model Train Talk South Africa

Model Train Talk Workshop => Beginner Q & A => Topic started by: rickbotha on October 21, 2015, 06:45:20 AM

Title: Track Brands
Post by: rickbotha on October 21, 2015, 06:45:20 AM

Morning Guys,

Me and all my questions again  ???

I want to find out what HO track brand is most popular (readily available) and supported in South Africa? Where are the best places to order from, or is importing the best way?

Thanks,

Rick

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: trainmaster on October 21, 2015, 10:04:44 AM

Hi Rick
My best experiance is with PECO. That track and switches you find by Southern Models in Somerset West (between Builders Warehouse and Tafelberg).
Cheers
Trainmaster
(from Somerset West)

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: BigEd on October 21, 2015, 10:28:21 AM

Rick, in SA its mostly Peco and secondly Atlas.

Peco code 100 works well, durable, looks good but is European looking  but they have a code 83 range that looks like US prototype.

Standard Atlas is also code 100 and thus European looking (tie spacing) and matches Peco perfectly, bu their points/switches needs motors or throws as they have no spring in. They also do the new USA look track but I forgot now what code it is. 70 perhaps?

BTW code refers to thousands of an inch and thus code 100 means 100/1000 inch and that is the height of the rail. Lower number means lower profile track...

Clear as mud?

As for dealers, Japie near you should have Peco (saw some there last time) and then Mike in Plumstead is actually the importer wholesaler. Caveman also stocks a lot of Peco and their products. Those are the Cape Town options.

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: rickbotha on October 21, 2015, 06:55:31 PM

Thanks trainmaster, BigEd,

I really appreciate it.

Haven't been into Southern Models lately, I will definately go around soon.

Thanks for the advice.

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: Freightcars on October 21, 2015, 08:19:05 PM

Rick,

Personally I prefer Peco Flexi track and Peco points.  They are good quality and don't give much hassle if used right.

Dream Trains in Bloem has a good range of of points and track for decent prices.  See www.dreamtrains.co.za (http://www.dreamtrains.co.za)

Cheers,

Niel

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: rickbotha on October 22, 2015, 07:14:34 AM

Thanks Niel,

I also found that they have the cheapest prices I've seen, but its good to know that this is considered a good price.

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: capeklr on October 22, 2015, 03:34:18 PM

Hi Rick,
I'm also a fan of Peco track, very nice to work with.

Title: Re: Track Brands
Post by: Steve Smith on October 22, 2015, 07:38:30 PM

I would go with Peco code 83 track, using flex track and electrofrog # 5 turnouts, which would give the best use of space.  It is readily available, almost bulletproof, and looks good.

If using another brand, try and avoid the straight and curved set track sections.

Cheers,
Steve