Are Piko R7 Points And Curves Similar To Lgb R5 Points And Curves?

[beavercreek]

I have put a plea out for a right LGB R5 point but have seen that PIKO do an R7 point that seems pretty close and is cheaper than buying a new LGB R5 jobbie.
Piko use different nomenclature for their curves to LGB's system so it is not so easy to match them up.

 

[idlemarvel]

According to the PIKO brochures:

35226 Manual Switch, Left, R7, 22.5°
Curved track = 3 x Curve G-R7,1564,62 mm
Straight track = G-G600, 600 mm
Package includes one Curve G-R7 7.5°

35227 Manual Switch, Right, R7, 22.5°
Curved track = 3 x Curve G-R7,1564,62 mm
Straight track = G-G600, 600 mm
Package includes one Curve G-R7 7.5°

LGB R5 are 2,320mm radius

Name Center-to-Center Outer Edge-to-Outer Edge (diameters)
R1 1200 mm 1286 mm
R2 1560 mm 1646 mm
R3 2390 mm 2476 mm
R5 4640 mm 4726 mm

So the PIKO R7 is between an LGB R3 and R5.

 

[beavercreek]

Thanks for that Dave
I can see that the LGB diameter of R5 is 4.64m (that would be centre to centre) and the Piko circle would also be 3.12m (centre to centre).
So the Piko R7 curve is a fair bit tighter radius than the LGB R5.

The Piko R7 point is also the same tighter radius. I was hoping that it would be a straight swap as they are cheaper than the LGB R5.

If I was to utilise the Piko opoint I think that would need to rearrange the other track or get my track bender to work to fit the other track to the 'new' radius.

One step forward one step back.....

 

[KeithT]

Watch out for a potential problem on Pico points. Many of the early ones quickly shorted out due to poor insulation on the steel link wires, it simply melted, and also an issue with the wiring retaining screws which were not only steel which quickly rusted or which were simply were not screwed down because the holes were too shallow.
These issues may/should have been resolved by now but if not they are easily remedied. Simply undo the cover plates beneath the points and check or replace the offending components. It is no more than a few minutes work.
Personally, I prefer the Piko ones to LGB.