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3 Responses to Are Track Brands Different?
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I believe that nowadays Hornby track is compatible with Peco and Peco Setrack corresponds to Hornby’s track geometry. I think that Bachmann.s is probably the same. Peco Streamline is also compatible if you use the code 100 “Universal” variety. Peco Streamline “Finescale” is code 75 which is lower in height and will only accept modern wheel standards. I think That Hornby track is steel whereas Peco’s is nickel silver.
In other words you can use Hornby with Peco Universal (and Bachmann) but Peco Finescale will not join to these. Peco may have an adapter track which will join Finescale at one end and any of the others mentioned at the other end.
All track manufacturers do their own thing, however NRMA recommended practices and standards usually ensure that the major manufacturers tracks of a similar gauge and height will be compatible with each other. To be otherwise would be commercial suicide.
You can mix Peco and Hornby code 100 and you can, with a bit of tweaking, make code 100 transition to code 80, 75 or whatever. The important measurement is track gauge, and that should always be the same regardless of manufacturer.
Remember too that 00 gauge and HO gauge IS THE SAME – 16.5mm regardless of manufacturer.
May i summarise by saying some brands are compatible, and there are rail joiners available for converting from one size rail to another.
Some brands have sections with different geometries, such as whether three or four curves make a 90 degree turn, and some track brands have a built in roadbed which makes it higher than other simple track.