Track

[Patrick]

I would like to get some input about what track to use for the layout we are in the process of building. I known that I want to use flex track, but whose? Is code 55 or 80 the way to go? Atlas, Micro Engineering, or Peco? Alan, what do you use for your N-scale?

[Maxwell Plant]

On my N-Trak Modules, I currently use a mix of code 80 and code 55. I "fliped" the mains on my set-up, the outside "red line" is now the "Uncle Pete" http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif Branch and uses code 55 Peco wood-tie Flex. The "yellow" and "blue lines" are the BNSF/AOW Double Track Main line and uses code 80 Peco concrete-tie. Turnouts are a mix of Peco and Atlas Premiums, #6 and #8's. My "diamonds" are Atlas code 80. I'd like to use a more prototypical looking track, but MicroEngineering Code 55 is expensive and doesn't like anything without a low-profile wheel. I've heard my train "bump along" a streach of ME code 55, flanges tapping the spikes! http://www.trainboard.com/eek.gif It wasn't cool. At the last train show I went to (Urbana, IL.) I got some heat damage from an overhead sky-light. http://www.trainboard.com/frown.gif I now have to go back and start over again. My town's streets needed a make-over anyway, so it's back to the drawing boards! http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif The Module's over 7yrs. old and has gone through some minor changes over the years, but now it's time for some real improvments! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback

[mtaylor]

I am in the same boat. I am looking hard at Peco, Atlas and yes even Kato. Kato has good quality track and I have seen layouts where they weathered the rails and partially filled in the roadbed varying the amount of fill for main lines and branches. After the roadbed was filled they ballasted it as you would standard cork. It looked good. Kato is not cheap though. I have never worked with flex track before. My old HO layout used Atlas snap track (brass). I have heard great things about Peco NS 80 flex track. I have read alot about using flex track and soldering pieces of flex ends together. How is this done and is it worth the hassle? If cost is not an issues, what do you guys think is the best way to go regarding 1st performace, 2nd looks, and third ease of use.

Thanks

[Catt]

Fur my 2 cents worth I use nothing but Atlas code 80 both at home and on my NTRAK modules.It is reasonable priced very available and looks good weathered and ballusted{IMHO)As far as people telling me it is to tall I say if your that close, your to close.

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Catt!

[Maxwell Plant]

There was a heated debate on the Atlas Forum about the "soldered rails" issue. go to the arhcives there and you'll see how I feel about it, and see many other idea's on the subject. Some good, some not so good. I solder the rails in the curves, but only before laying the track. My straight track generally doesn't get soldered. I NEVER solder turnouts. If they go bad, it's harder to replace them.

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback

[sd75mac]

I used Atlas on my first n-scale layout. On the current, and future, I like Peco. Atlas flex has a memory and Peco doesn't. This becomes an issue on curves. Peco will hold the curve and Atlas will snap back to straight.

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Keep on Track'N
Harold Riley
www.phcomputing.com (http://www.phcomputing.com)

[Gats]

Good questions, Patrick. I have used Atlas and Peco together in the past. I prefer Peco's points and I like Atlas flex. They work well together.
The current layout I have (6x3 bought second-hand) has been stripped of scenery and next is the track. It's Peco throughout except on old Atlas switch.
When it gets relaid, I'll try ME's code 55 this time. Yes, it's expensive (especially Downunder) but I like it's look and it comes up very realistic when weathered and ballasted.

Gary.

[Gats]

oh, yeah, I forgot... if using ME55, I recommend using Peco's Z Scale joiners - very small and a tight fit.

[Patrick]

First of all I want to thank everyone for the great input. I’m a rookie at model RR, Jan. 2000, and I appreciate all of your help. There is nothing like learning from other people’s experiences; that’s where the rubber meets the road or in this case the wheel meets the rail. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif No stone throwing please.

Brent, you mentioned low profile wheels. The rolling stock to this point is all Micro Trains and engines are Kato SD40-2s. Would these be considered low profile?

Maybe something else I should mention is the fact that I plan on using DCC for controlling the layout. Don’t know if this is significant in regards to the track that’s picked or not. Leaning towards Digitrax at this time.

Hello Gray from Downunder. It so happens that our first layout will be 3 x 6. We decided to do Woodland’s Scenic Ridge with a lake and cabin, in place of the city, and a small logging area. We are building one of their learning kits now for the education and I am starting to pull at the bit to get going on the real layout. When I say we or our, I am referring to my wife who has the bug almost as bad as I do. Its fun to sit at a proto type RR X and discuss the consist with her. We’re having a ball.

Love this Train Board. Thanks again you all!


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MBR#307
Residing in the BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06 April 2000).]

[Danimal]

My last layout and my Bendtrack modules used Atlas flex and Peco turnouts. My new layout will hopefully use all Atlas products. Guess I'll just have to see how their code55 stuff measures up!

[Alan]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patrick:
I know that I want to use flex track, but whose? Is code 55 or 80 the way to go? Atlas, Micro Engineering, or Peco? Alan, what do you use for your N-scale?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Patrick, I use Peco code 55 flextrack, with medium or large radius point switches on the main running lines, and small radius in the yards (I do not have much space to spare).

I would heartily recommend using code 55 rather than code 80, not only for the looks, but code 55 is cleverly designed, the rail section actually goes right down into the ties, and is much stronger than the code 80!

I have a friend who has used 80, and it looks very crude compared to 55. Well, thats only my view http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

I naturally use Peco, as it is made here in England, but it is very good reliable track.

Hope this 'swings' you in our direction http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif



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Alan

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
http://Andersley.homestead.com
http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com
http://eurogallery.homestead.com

[Maxwell Plant]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patrick:
Brent, you mentioned low profile wheels. The rolling stock to this point is all Micro Trains and engines are Kato SD40-2s. Would these be considered low profile? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think the Atlas, Bachmann Plus/Spectrum, Kato and Newest of the Life-Like Locomotives are OK. But the Micro Trains stock wheels are a regular flange. You can buy the LP wheels in a bulk pack, but be sure you have the right size of wheel diameter. I think the wheels on the newer Atlas cars and anything that uses the wheels from the company that makes Unimate couplers are low enough. The Atlas wheels are fine, but you have to watch the axles on the others. They have a tab that can interfer with smooth operation or you'll sometimes find them warped which makes them out of gauge. I'm sticking with the MT wheels and will probably use the Atlas wheels that come with the new Accumate coulpers. I haven't changed out any of my MT's with the Low Profiles yet, but I will.

Another thing you might concider. Many folks are using metal wheel sets on there rolling stock. I personally don't use or like them, but they are easier to keep clean. Just remember, it's your layout and Railway! Do it your way! That's all I've got to say about it. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

By the way, I hope to find a nice lady someday that will enjoy this hobby as much as I do. Concider yourself Highly Blessed! http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif


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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback

[Patrick]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant:

By the way, I hope to find a nice lady someday that will enjoy this hobby as much as I do. Concider yourself Highly Blessed! http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the info Brent and I am very Blessed. She is a grand girl! I will hope the same for you.


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MBR#307
Residing in the BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI

[Gats]

Patrick,
In answer to your question regarding DCC, all I can suggest is that you have electrically continuous joints and plenty of heavy gauge feeders. One brand or the other is not so much an issue, but the conditions it will be living in and how it reacts to it (oxidisation, etc). All the above mentioned brands will do you fine. You'll just need to keep it clean.
I have heard about the Woodlands Scenic's Scenic Ridge, but not seen it. From what I gather, it is a great learning tool. It will give you invaluable experience for the larger layout you are planning. Mine will be redone with a definite grain theme - elevators, feedmill, etc.
And congrats on having a partner that is more than willing to share in your hobbies. They don't come along too often http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

[mtaylor]

Check out this phot of KATO track!!
http://www.onlinetrains.com/new_pa3.jpg

Yep this is KATO track. This is one sites using KATO with some good detail. They sell N scale products as well.

here is their url.
http://www.onlinetrains.com

This photo is one of the reasons why I am considering Kato track.

[mtaylor]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mtaylor:
Check out this phot of KATO track!!
http://www.onlinetrains.com/new_pa3.jpg

Yep this is KATO track. This is one sites using KATO with some good detail. They sell N scale products as well.

here is their url.
http://www.onlinetrains.com

This photo is one of the reasons why I am considering Kato track.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here is another Kato track photo (yep, I do like the Kato stuff!) http://www.onlinetrains.com/new_pa13.jpg

[Robin Matthysen]

I guess I like simplicity so have used Atlas flex track. 80 may be a bit crude but properly ballasted it appears OK to me anyway. Reliable running comes from good track laying and that is what I have tried to achieve. I have soldered track joints but found it necessary to put gaps every so often to relieve expansion. I don't need unplanned hills. All switches so far are Peco. I have not tried the new Atlas ones.
Any opinions as to switches?
Robin

[Maxwell Plant]

Yes, I like the new Atlas "non-machined" turnouts. The work really well with those ground throws that are way out of scale.(Of course, they have to make those GT's big enough for us to use. http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif ) Don't get the ones with the "machines" (powered or non) built into them, I've seen alot of the six-axle stuff get hung up on them. I normally use Peco, but when I can't find them, I use the Atlas.

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback

[mtaylor]

OK OK...after reading serveral of your postings and talking with the local N-scalers I looking much harder at the flex track. I have never worked with flex track other than a couple of sections for straight mainlines in HO (Atlas brass). The Peco code 55 is grabbing my attention. My concern as stated earlier is the flange depth. I am intrerested in running locos from Kato, Atlas, LL, Con-cor, Rivarossi, and Bachman (last 3 being steam). I am planning on cars from Atlas, Kato, Walthers, Con-Cor, MT, Deluxe Inovations, Freight Yard, a few from Red Caboose and Inter Mountain (you guys are shying me away from them though).

I am interested in using MT trucks & couplers on all of these cars. Is this a bad idea with code 55 or is there another brand of trucks at the same level of quality as MT that works better.

Thanks All http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

[Gats]

Matt,

Buy a length of each and try all the cars and locos on them. If necessary, temporarily hook up a feed so you can drive the locos. Maybe grab a switch or 2 from the manufacturers you are considering using then put it together on a test board.
Better to spend a small amount now in testing finding out what works or not than much more whilst building.

[Patrick]

Hi mtaylor,

Thought you maybe interested in the following message that I sent to MTL and their reply.

Sent: I am in the planning stage for an N-scale layout and want to use Peco Code 55 track. Will the Micro Trains stock wheel flanges clear the tie structure OK or do I need to change the wheels?

Reply:Yes, our standard wheels should function perfectly normally on code 55 rail.
I hope that this helps. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

This was from the Design Engineer at MTL.

Now, having posted the above, I think Gats has a good suggestion and as another man said "discretion is the better part of valor" http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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MBR#307
Residing in the BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 13 April 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 13 April 2000).]

[mtaylor]

Very good ideas! Thanks. I will let you know my results.

[Alan]

M/T trucks and all other wheels I have tried run perfectly on Peco code 55 track and track switches (we call them 'points').

Actually the clearance is as great as Peco code 80, due to very clever design (dashed clever these British http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif). The track is even stronger than code 80, as the rail section has another section below the visible bit, that is embedded in the ties.

Patrick, in answer to your query on point motors, I use Seep PM1 motors, they have the frog polarity change switch, but I am not sure if they are available in the States. They are similar to the Peco ones, but easier to fit, and more robust.

You also asked about Insulfrog, or Electrofrog - but I think code 55 are only available in electrofrog. When live frogs are available I would not even consider using anything else.

Don't know the frog angles, they are sold here as small, medium and large radius.

Hope all that helps http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
http://Andersley.homestead.com
http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com
http://eurogallery.homestead.com

[Gats]

Alan, I usually "Americaize" points to switches to avoid confusion... which I find slightly humourous as I work on the real thing http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif
Could I be bi-lingual?

Gary.

[mtaylor]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Patrick:
Hi mtaylor,

Thought you maybe interested in the following message that I sent to MTL and their reply.

Sent: I am in the planning stage for an N-scale layout and want to use Peco Code 55 track. Will the Micro Trains stock wheel flanges clear the tie structure OK or do I need to change the wheels?

Reply:Yes, our standard wheels should function perfectly normally on code 55 rail.
I hope that this helps. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

This was from the Design Engineer at MTL.

Now, having posted the above, I think Gats has a good suggestion and as another man said "discretion is the better part of valor" http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the info. It helps the planning allot.

[Maxwell Plant]

N-Trak has approved Peco code 55 for use on any or all modules. The Micro Engineering code 55 hasn't. I just asked the-powers-that-be a few weeks ago about this and that's the reply I got.

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback

[Patrick]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan:

Patrick, in answer to your query on point motors, I use Seep PM1 motors, they have the frog polarity change switch, but I am not sure if they are available in the States. They are similar to the Peco ones, but easier to fit, and more robust.

You also asked about Insulfrog, or Electrofrog - but I think code 55 are only available in electrofrog. When live frogs are available I would not even consider using anything else.

Hope all that helps http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks very much for your reply Alan. It helps a great deal. I just received a copy of the Digitrax Big Book Of DCC and went to their section on points http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif. They had an explanation about Peco's Insulfrog and Electrofrog that helped also. Anyway, I'm going to order some Peco Code 55 rail and Electrofrog points today. The wampum is burning a hole in my pocket http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif. There is a lot to learn, but that's part of the fun. Is's great that you all share your experience.

Cheers http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif

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MBR#307
Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 14 April 2000).]

[mtaylor]

I guess that settles it! I will use PECO 55. Reason: It looks goood, runs good and is economical. Kato is easy to use, runs good but requires more work to make it look good, and cost a fortune compare to flex.

Thanks for all the info guys.

Now, Moving on to the next phase (for me) of track. What tools do you reccomend using when working with flex. I will take a look at the Atlas forum to get more info on joint soldering as well.

Thanks again
Matt

[Alan]

For cutting flex track, I use a Dremel-type tool with a cutting disc, very easy, and you get a burr-free cut.

I use Peco track pins to fix the track, sparingly, just enough to hold it in alignment until ballasted.



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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
http://Andersley.homestead.com
http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com
http://eurogallery.homestead.com