Alright I have been investigating in N scale and was thinking about switching over. I still have a couple of questions or 2 about track and wheels. I think I have pretty much decided that I am going to use Code 55 track but in order to do that I am going to have to use wheels with smaller flanges. Because the ones with current flanges will bottom out on the code 55. Who makes them and how do they react to the trains. What I mean by this, is there any problem with them climbing over the track while backing up the trains with truck mounted couplers. Thanks.
Welcome to N scale, Jack If you are going to use Atlas code 55 track then you will have to change to low profile wheels (not neccessary with Peco code 55). There should be no problem with running qualities providing the tracklaying is good. I have found no difference in operation between both types of wheels, but the low pro ones look so much better. I am gradually changing all my stock to Microtrains brown low pro wheels. I think Atlas also make some, but have no experience with them, either in operation or looks.
Thanks Alan, I am really checking in to this scale with extreme interest. I recently had an N scale train set give to me. But it had all older stuff with it. Code 80 rail and couple of locos that have extreme large flanges on them. So they will mostly likely won't be switched over. I know so much about HO scale and know that I am checking things out in N scale It feels as if I was a little kid just getting my first train set. What else would recommend for rookie like me just getting started in this scale.
I believe that the Micro-Trains cars are now all coming out with lower profile wheels already on? Boxcab E50
Can you change locomotive wheelsets out in N scale as you can with HO? If you can who make the wheelsets? Thanks
Wheelsets are available from more than one source. However, the most popular, by far for many years, has been Micro-Trains. Here is their web site: www.micro-trains.com Hope these answers are helping you some? Keep asking! Boxcab E50
A good source of wheelsets for Nscale locomotives is Northwest Short Line Their website is www.nwsl.com Scott
I'm just switching to N also because I just moved into a dorm at Cal Poly in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. I asked about code 55 in a previous topic, but I guess I came out a little unclear about it. So Atlas makes Cd 55 track that nothing will run on out of the box? Including their OWN products? I love how the 55 stuff looks and I plan on using it but changing wheelsets seems like a rather expensive proposition. (Is it?) I have already purchased a few Roundhouse and Atlas cars off of Ebay, but I havent bought track yet. Thanks
Boxcab, they are helping out a lot. I figured I would ask first before I found out the hard way. I appreciate the help. Derek, that is the reason too I have been searching and tryout to find a lot about this track as well. Judging from I have found out. The older rolling stock needs to have low profile wheelsets put in the trucks to keep the wheelsets from bottoming out on the atlas spikes that actually hold the track. The newer rolling stock and loco have or will roll on this track with out a lot of trouble. Guys step in here and correct me if I wrong as I am basing my info on lot of other forums info I got from them as well.
Derek, Somehow you seem to have been led to believe that Atlas code 55 cannot even be used with their own products. Nonsense. However there can be issues. You are starting out, therefore have not accumulated an inventory of wheels that were not manufactured to recommended standards. Some of the popular brands, including the one who makes the coupler of choice, have traditionally supplied wheels with flanges that are too deep for HO much less Nscale. If you stick to newer locomotives, you should generally not have a problem. Cars are generally cheap enough to replace wheelsets as necesary. Welcome to the club. Paul PRR in Atlanta
