1. Home
  2. Model railroading in the UK
  3. C&L 00 track templates

C&L 00 track templates

After the long discussion about finescale track that ensued from a question I posted a few weeks ago, I decided to go out and buy a C&L 00 B6 point kit (the one that inlcudes the crossing and switch blades etc.) to get me started, and a Scaleway point kit for comparison. I also bought Ian Rice's book on track building.

From comparing the C&L and Scaleway kits/templates, am I right in thinking that the C&L point templates for 00 have a closer-than-prototypical sleeper spacing (as opposed to the EM and P4 ones which have scale sleeper spacing)? Is this carried over into their 00 flexi track as well?

Matt

Reply to
Matt Ots
Loading thread data ...

Yes this is the case. If you choose C&L flexitrack, that has closer sleeper spacing than scale 4mm, but wider than 3.5mm. It's a compromise between the two, aimed at trying to reduce the the narrow appearance of 16.5mm gauge on 'correct' 4mm sleepering. I personally think it works well, though not all do.

If you want to build your points with 4mm sleepering then if you use C&L track components for plain track you would have to build the track from separate sleepers, chairs, rail, rather than use the flexitrack option.

Ian J.

Reply to
Ian J.

Hi Matt,

Yes. It's a compromise to mask the narrower gauge. I don't like it, because the rail and chairs aren't scaled down, so they look too "chunky" on the timbers. I think it is better to model exact scale 4mm track, to a gauge of 4ft-1.1/2in. Possibly with the sleepers reduced to 8ft (32mm) long (instead of 8ft-6in). But not everyone agrees.

See also:

formatting link
> Is this carried over into their 00 flexi track as well?

Yes, but in this case it is close to 26 sleepers per 60ft length, which is used by the prototype on sharp curves (24 per 60ft on straight track). So for typical model curves, C&L flexi is not too far out.

regards,

Martin.

---------- email: snipped-for-privacy@templot.com web:

formatting link

Reply to
Martin Wynne

So EM/P4 sleeper spacings with 00/HO track gauge / dimensions? That sounds like what I'm after as I've decided I need to stick with 00 for the ability to run RTR stock but I want the prototypical sleeper spacing because to me that

Are there any Templot templates available for this?

Matt

Reply to
Matt Ots

Whoops - I hit send before finishing the sentence! ...to me that looks 'right'.

Matt

Reply to
Matt Ots

Hi Matt,

Yes. In Templot just select 00-BF (16.5mm) or 00-SF (16.2mm) in the gauge/scale settings. Templot uses prototypical sleeper widths and spacings by default.

(00-SF works with all modern RTR unmodified, and gives much improved appearance and better running -- but not for train-set style sharp curves.)

For 00 gauge Templot also sets reduced length 8ft sleepers (32mm) by default, but you can change this to prototypical 8ft-6in (34mm) or 9ft (36mm, pre-grouping) lengths if you prefer.

You can also choose whether for pointwork the timber lengths should increase uniformly (like Peco) or prototypically in 6" increments.

You can also change between skewed/equalized and square-on timbering styles, and between in-line ends or centralised ends.

If you need more info about setting timbering sizes and styles it would be better to ask on the Templot email group:

formatting link
If you prefer you can take part in the group without actually joining -- details at:

formatting link
regards,

Martin.

---------- email: snipped-for-privacy@templot.com web:

formatting link

Reply to
Martin Wynne
16.2mm Mmmmmmmm... Her we go again. :-)))))))

Dave

Reply to
David Smith

Hi Matt.

I build '00' track with Exactoscale components (some) using templates produced on a Club member's Templot. If you want to see what it looks like check out

formatting link
'Track building'.

Cheers

Reply to
David Smith

Hi Martin,

I've created an A6 template with an 8' sleeper length (for normal track) to compensate for the 16.5mm track gauge. How exactly are the sleeper lengths calculated if I'm going for the prototypical 6" increments? Is there any standardised pattern to this or is it just whatever works with the particular turnout dimensions?

Matt

Reply to
Matt Ots

Hi Matt,

I assume you mean that you have done this in Templot, so I have replied on the Templot email group. You can find my reply at:

formatting link
You don't need to join the group to read it.

regards,

Martin.

---------- email: snipped-for-privacy@templot.com web:

formatting link

Reply to
Martin Wynne

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.