Model Railway Forum

A brief question for those familiar with Peco Streamline track (code 75) - is there much difference in running reliability between using a short Y (SL-E197) and the 3-way (SL-E199)? I generally try to avoid short radius points, even in fiddle yards, as I understand that these can be unreliable. However, I have also heard that 3-way points can be unreliable, too.

The intended application in this case is some fiddle yards. These fiddle yards are intended for use in an automated layout. The part of the fiddle yards in question will be dealing only with light engines. These will be steam engines - anything from a Lord Nelson to a P class.

Here is the relevant part of the fiddle yards using the short Y:



And here is the equivalent part using the three way:



The short Y has a radius of circa 610mm. The minimum radius curve on the layout is 600mm. The three way has a minimum radius of 980mm - the same as the medium radius turnouts. On minimum radius alone, the three way is preferable - but I have heard of this being unreliable in the sense of prompting more derailments than its simpler counterparts. Does anyone have experience of this such as might be able to advise which may be preferable in this situation?

Only just seen your post James - sorry. I have no experience of 3 ways but a mate of mine who is a very experienced modeller ( has worked with Pete Waterman and Roger Daltry) has had no end of trouble with them. I have used short Y points on two box files and they have run great - they were even insulfrog and my Pecketts (0-4-0s) had no problems running through them.

From a user on a clubs DC layout, there is no problem with the Peco Three Way point, so long as speed is kept low. Which it is, as the point allows moves into and out of a storage set of sidings!

Splendid, thank you both for your input.

I have two 3-way points at the entrance to the fiddle yard. They are operated by two DCC Concepts Cobalt point motors on each point. The intention was to have three but the track geometry and space only allowed for two. I have had no trouble with them - they are also fully ballasted.

IMG_1219 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr

I use a Peco 3 way short point in my Loco yard and it works perfectly. oo gauge.

I had two Peco 3 way points, worked perfectly.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Fri May 06, 2022 8:09 am I had two Peco 3 way points, worked perfectly.

And they still do Brian.

That’s good to know Brian.