Peco's Code 55 is the cleverest rail section in model railways. The eternal N gauge dilemma — scale-height rail that looks right versus tall rail that runs everything — simply doesn't apply here, because the rail is full-depth with its lower half buried in the sleeper base: what shows above the sleepers is a beautifully fine 1.4mm, while the hidden half provides full-height strength and flange clearance. The result, in Peco's own words: all brands of N gauge locomotives run on this track — deep flanges, vintage stock, the lot — on rail that looks like the finescale it is. Supplied in flexible 914mm (36 inch) lengths, nickel silver on wooden sleepers.

Finescale Without the Fine Print

Every finescale track system usually carries a wheel-standards caveat; this one doesn't. The buried section gives older, deeper flanges the clearance they need below the visible railhead, so the choice between realism and compatibility — the choice that defines Code 75 versus Code 100 in OO — is one Peco's N gauge engineering makes for you. Have both.

Joins Everything, Including Code 80

The full-depth rail base means Code 55 uses the same universal joiners as Peco Code 80 — SL-310 conducting and SL-311 insulated — so mixing the two on one layout, or joining onto other makes' Code 80 track, needs no transition pieces or adaptors. Modellers run this straight into Kato and other set-track systems with the correct joiners.

Laying and the Range Behind It

Flexi curves by hand to any radius — cut with track cutters or a razor saw, clean the ends, and pin down unobtrusively with SL-14 blackened track pins. Behind the plain line sits the full Code 55 system: turnouts in small through large radius, crossings and slips, all to the same geometry. Prefer the traditional full-height look? The SL-300 is the same track in Code 80.

Specifications

Brand: Peco
Part Number: SL-300F
Range: Streamline N, Code 55 finescale
Gauge: N (9mm)
Rail: Nickel silver, full-depth section, 1.4mm visible height
Compatibility: All brands of N gauge stock; joins Code 80 with standard joiners
Sleepers: Wooden type
Length: 914mm (36in) per piece
System Partners: SL-310/SL-311 joiners, SL-14 pins; SL-300 Code 80 sibling