Peco "Streamline" Code 55 "American Outline" track (possible new product?)

[Mark5]

As mentioned here: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=56405.msg777293#msg777293
And here: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=56416.30

Per above, this has been discussed in a couple of threads here, but I think it is significant enough to warrant a separate topic. 

Peco was at the recent NMRA show, and they had "mock ups" of a proposed N Scale Peco "Streamline" Code 55 "American Outline" track line.

See the lower right corner of this pic:
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If this potential product appeals to you, consider voicing your support by using the "Comment Form" here: https://peco-uk.com/pages/contact-us

Maybe I will be able to use this stuff on my next layout. 

Mark

[robert3985]

Oh Man oh man ohmanohman....THIS is exciting news!!! 

I wrote to Peco at the link the OP provided expressing my extremely positive support for the concept of a line of "American Outline" N-scale track, along with hopes this meant prototype tie spacing, tie sizes (at least length & width) and scaled-down prototype sized tieplate & spikehead details since these would be purely cosmetic with Peco's "imbedded rail" N-scale Code55 track protocol...

Hopefully, this will materialize...and soon!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Dave V]

If this happens...total game changer. And I don't think that's hyperbole.

 

[ednadolski]

Probably too much to wish for Code 40 (but I can dream...)

[mike_lawyer]

Dave, exactly my thoughts.  I said the same thing on the NMRA show thread.  If Peco releases North American Code 55 flex and turnouts, it is a total game changer.

The sample they showed at the NMRA convention was a #4 switch and a piece of flex track. 

Of course, I just installed my last ME #6 turnout for my layout last week.  But I would use Peco for any expansion if they release North American C55.

[robert3985]

After looking at all the other posts and photos of the mockups at the show, I'm not very impressed (dammit)...

They're still burdened by "Peco thinking" for N-gauge (not N-scale)...and the mockups aren't close to equivalency to their HO American style trackage.

Looks like they're going with actual Code55 rails, which gets rid of the advantages of the embedded Code83 rails and being able to have very close to scale cosmetic spikeheads and tieplates.

Also, the mockups weren't very well thought out, with the under-the-rails-tie-stringers being wider than the rail foot...sloppy work Peco.

'Nuff said...I sort of agree with Ed @ednadolski ...why not Code46???  Code40 is actually 0.043" tall...too short for heavy trafficked mainline rail...why not go with scale-sized AREA 136lb rail (0.046" tall)?  Why not Peco???

It's time for actual N-scale sized rail, which Code55 and Code40 are NOT.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[wazzou]

If they look as nice as the HO C70 shown in the pic above, with NS rail throughout, it would be terrific.
I do plan to use C40 on my next layout as well.
My only fear on this development is how quickly they would develop a complete line of turnouts with unique frog angles, above #4's.
If they came out with #6 and #8 concurrently, I may be tempted to stick with C55.

[Mark5]

I received a response from Peco on the comments I left on their "Contact us" form (above), and they confirmed that any such C55 "American Outline" track that they might develop would conform to NMRA standards similar to their HO "American Outline" track line.

[mike_lawyer]

I left a note for Peco as well, and they responded saying that they have received overwhelming response in favor of the proposed North American track, and they would be deciding in the very near future how to proceed.

[Dave V]

I wrote in my support too (even if I have no immediate need for N scale trackwork at the moment). The response from Peco (read in Martin Freeman's native accent):

Dear Dave,
 
Many thanks for your positive feedback regarding our potential plans for this track system. We are receiving lots of similar messages and will soon be making our decision on what our next steps will be. Keep on eye out on the PECO website, social media feeds and publications for more updates.
 
Kind regards,
 
Steve Haynes
Sales Manager
Pritchard Patent Product Co Ltd

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm stoked for this. In fact, even though I have enough Atlas 55 on hand for the rest of my layout build, I'm pausing work on track related stuff to see how this plays out.

[Dave V]

I'm stoked for this. In fact, even though I have enough Atlas 55 on hand for the rest of my layout build, I'm pausing work on track related stuff to see how this plays out.

The only time I've ever had trouble with Peco track is when I've done something stupid like not gapped an electrofrog or gotten paint inside the points. But no Chinesium frogs, no flimsy point hinges, no sloppy throwbars. Just Peco quality!

Also, Ed, you might really like the fact that Peco switches have the internal centering springs. Means for your yards, you don't need ground throws or remote machines. You can get "manual" like it's Conrail in the 1980s and throw the switch at the points.

This is too late for my N scale Colorado Midland but if I ever do new work in N, I hope this is a reality.

[u18b]

It was my experience with the old Peco track that led me to want to avoid plastic frogs.  It you don't run trains all that much, it's not a big deal.  But if you run them a lot over many years, the frog point wears down.  I was amazed at what I saw from other people's layouts. 

One guy dismantled his layout and gave me his turnouts.  I gave them to someone else- they were too worn for my taste.

Of you the experience of other will vary.
But that experience led me to only want metal frogs (which have better conductivity, even if they are harder to wire).

Hopefully these new turnouts will have a metal frog option.

[nickelplate759]

...

Hopefully these new turnouts will have a metal frog option.

They supposedly would use the Peco Unifrog design - which is metal. 

[Rivet Miscounter]

I got the same reply this morning as Dave did.  I feel pretty confident that this is happening.

I'm very glad I didn't buy any Atlas track yet.   While I will likely still use Atlas track for my Free-MoN modules, (figuring we're still at least  a year out from seeing the first items off the assembly line from Peco) I will 100% use nothing but Peco NA55 for any future home layout.   And maybe the new Peco track will be Free-MoN approved.

I think Atlas track shortages are about to be a thing of the past.