Tomix curved turnout matching curved Fine Track piece C280-45

[Ranger1951]

I have a double track N scale layout using Tomix Fine Track. I want to replace 1 piece of INNER track (C280-45) with same radius curved turnout (a.k.a. 'points').

That curved turnout would lead into track sidings  set up inside the running tracks.

 

Tomix do make a curved turnout (CPL317/280-45) - i.e outer track radius to inner track radius (on my layout).

 

Using the same radii ratio as above Tomix curved turnout, a curved turnout to suit my layout's inner track should be CPL280/243-45)

 

Does such a curved turnout (CPL280/243-45) exist. Do Kato, or any other N scale track manufacturer offer a turnout close to those outside to inside radii?  

If one IS available, I could use Tomix 1529 Track adapter to connect the non Tomix track into the layout.

 

I appreciate any ideas you have to offer.  Thank you.

[MeTheSwede]

No, such a thing does not exist. You would need to manufacture it yourself.

 

But maybe we can help you come up with a satisfactory track plan using existing track?

[bill937ca]

The only other curved turnout in N scale I am aware of is the Peco ST-5.

 

https://peco-uk.com/products/curved-turnout-right-hand20?variant=7435658985506

[Ranger1951]

Thank you bill937ca. I checked the link and found Peco ST-45 left hand curved turnout.  I haven't been able to establish the 2 radii involved but, visually, the outside radius looks promising.   I took a screenshot of the turnout's geometry to position the diagram over the C280-45 Tomix Fine Track section to see how close it comes to 280.

 

One possible compatibility question:  the Tomix track quotes N scale as being 1:160, the Peco system quotes N scale as being 1:148.  Will the rails still join up?

[railsquid]

1 hour ago, Ranger1951 said:

One possible compatibility question:  the Tomix track quotes N scale as being 1:160, the Peco system quotes N scale as being 1:148.  Will the rails still join up?

 

"N scale" refers to the scale of the models which run on that track, which is irrelevant to the gauge of the track itself (i.e. 9mm). More relevant is the "code", i.e. height of the rails themselves, which AFAIR is code 80 for Tomix/Kato track, but Peco track comes in either code 80 or code 55 (but in the case of Peco, the code 55 rails are actually code 80 in overall height but set lower in the sleepers). I don't think there should be an issue joining the two types, though you'll probably need some sort of shim under the Peco track to bring it up to the Tomix railhead height.

[Anvalo]

Hi,

Shuffled around some Tomix track pieces in Anyrail.

It is possible to fit in the curved turnout in the inner C280 curve (kind of).

Downside is that you have to use some smaller radius curved tracks.

 

Example with three 15 degree pieces

For this one you need to fill the gap with a short 18,5mm straight piece.

 

Andre

[Beaver]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:44 AM, railsquid said:

More relevant is the "code", i.e. height of the rails themselves, which AFAIR is code 80 for Tomix/Kato track, but Peco track comes in either code 80 or code 55 (but in the case of Peco, the code 55 rails are actually code 80 in overall height but set lower in the sleepers).

 

The particular turnout shown in the link has an ST product code, meaning it is a Set Track item, therefore definitely code 80.

 

In the main Streamline range both code 80 and code 55 have product codes beginning with SL and the same serial number, but the code 55 is easily distinguished by the F (Finescale) stuck on the end of the product code. (SL-E392 for code 80 and SL-E392F for code 55 versions of small radius live frog left hander, for example).

 

Kato track uses code 80*, I have joined it directly to Peco code 80 many times. Tomix is therefore logically also code 80 since you can join Kato to Tomix.*

 

(*I suppose it is possible they use code 83. The difference between 80 and 83 is so tiny it is invisible and has no effect on operation.)

 

 

Edited January 6 by Beaver

[brill27mcb]

My guess is that Kato and Tomix use a metric-measured rail height that is very close to Code 80 (which is 0.080 inches).

 

Rich K.

[Beaver]

0.080 inches is about 2mm. So 2mm high rail would make sense.

Edited January 11 by Beaver

[brill27mcb]

2mm works out to 0.0787 inches, so the equivalent of "Code 79". I always thought the Japanese (Kato and Tomix) rails were slightly taller than Code 80, not slightly shorter.

 

Rich K.