I'm going to be building a new layout here in the near future and I plan on using code 55 track. I've read good and bad about both. One of my modelling heros is Mike Danneman. I LOVE his Rio Grande layout and he used Peco code 55 track, and in the new N Scale Railroading, he explains why he prefers it, even though it isn't prototypical for US track. On the other hand, I've also heard good things about Atlas code 55, and it looks very realistic. I've heard that the selection isn't as good as with Peco. Can anyone give me their opinions (uh oh!) and experiences on the track of their choice?
I have Micro Engineering code 55 in the visible areas but use Peco switches because of all the reported problems with the ME switches. I will be building a new Oakville Sub in 4-5 years very much as Mr. Danneman is doing, and it is my hope Atlas has some larger switches available by then since I would like to use their track. I would LOVE for them to do concrete ties as well. The Peco switches I use are pretty bulletproof, and it was easy enough to interface them with the ME track, and if I don't like what I see when I get around to testing the Atlas material, I wouldn't hesitate using them again. Danneman is correct, the track is quite hefty. But I question if this is really a need. And I really doubt anyone is going to notice the spacing difference, I just don't feel it's that important in N.
I agree with Jim about how robust Peco track compoments are. I use Peco 55 exclusively, as it is available widely (after all it is made here in the UK) I have never had any problems whatsoever, so will definitely be staying with Peco. Lots of different switches available in various radii.
I use the Peco 55 too, but I am thinking on using Atlas 55 on the next N layout I build. I like the looks of the ties and flexibility of the flextrack. The Peco is bulletproof, however the flextrack is very difficult to join on curves. Too stiff. Once laid, it will outlast your layout.
I had heard that there's a greater of Peco compaired to Atlas. I'd hate to be in the middle of designing my layout and find out I can't do something because it isn't available. Another one of my heros is Verne Niner, whose AT&SF layout has been in N Scale railroading. He told me he also used Peco on his layout and it too looks great.
Hi John, there's a brand new hobby shop up by you in San Rafael, called Feather River Train Shop. (Chuck Ciaccio, the owner is an N Scaler and WP fan too!) Chuck has several pieces of every size of available Peco 55 track in stock. Electrofrog and Insulfrog as well as every piece of available Atlas 55 in stock too. There is definitely more choices with the Peco. If you want to see the pieces for yourself, I would recommend visiting his shop (he has big discount prices too!) You gotta visit this train shop, where you can look at everything first hand before you buy. It's nice to have a new discount hobby shop local. Feather River Train Shop 55 Mitchell Blvd Suite 3 San Rafael, CA 415-499-0664 Support your local hobby shop!
I've used PECO 55, I didn't want to have to change the wheels on all my MT cars because of the flange situation.
I am also a Peco - Fan For me, that's the best product on the market! The switches are very good!!! ( No derailment's !! )
Peco 55 for me as well. Although I had a lot of code 80 turnouts from other layouts, so code 80 turnouts with 55 track. I thought it would look terrible, I barely notice the difference.
I visited Chuck's store a couple weeks ago. He and I talked WP for most of an hour, and he brought out some books to help me with my GP35 I just purchased. He has a good selection of both Atlas and Peco track. I'll be going back soon!
If you already have some experience laying N scale track, you really ought to consider using atlas or ME flex track with hand laid turnouts. Handlaying turnouts is really not that difficult once you get the hang of it and they look better and operate better than either peco or atlas. Plus, you can build them to any size your heart desires. Just something to think about...raise the bar!!! Then you'll be one of Mike Danneman's heros! Daryl http:/home.comcast.net/~dpkruse
Even though I have years of experience laying flex track, I dunno if I could hand lay track in N. I must say, your track looks great! I'm reallt digging the landscaping you've done. Is that ground foam? The vegetation looks very real!
Hand laying track on straight and curves is amazingly simple, especially if you build your self a jig. He is what you do for the ties. Lay ties in the jig (to hold them in place and get your spacing right). Once all ties are in, cover with a long strip of masking tape. Paint area with glue where ties are going to go. Lift ties by lifting up masking tape (which holds the ties) and set them down on the glue. Fiddle until everything looks good. Come back tomorrow and rip off masking tape (the ties are now held by the glue). Then add rails - I'll let some one else tell you the glue method where you heat the rail up with a soldering iron to keep your track in place.
I just bought some code 40 rail yesterday so I could make some of my own turnouts in Z Scale. The premade ones cost about $40 each, so a crossover would cost $80 to buy. You can see why I need to make my own now. The only problem is finding a good tutorial on making turnouts.
Here's a website with some information. I strongly suggest trying at least one turnout and if its not for you that's okay. You may just find out that it is a lot easier than you thought! Daryl http://www.urbaneagle.com/data/RRturnouts.html#pat
I wonder if you could use Tony Koester's track laying techniques in N scale? I would try his method if I were still modeling in HO.
I think what I'll do is get a small sheet of plywood.. maybe a foot wide and two feet long... and put down a section of both Atlas and Peco flex to see which I prefer. I want to make a new diorama to photograph my models anyway. It'll give me something to work on while I'm getting ready to move and doing the planning on the new layout.
One of the biggest differences between Peco and Atlas are how the turnouts opperate. Peco are spring loaded, Atlas are not. For remote opperation with slowmotion switch machines the Atlas turnouts would be the better choice. If you prefer a to simply manually control the turnout, Peco has a positive snap to them. This is one of those decisions like DCC or weathering, depending on how you want to opperate your trains. I use Peco C55 for many reasons. I started with it before Atlas was even making theirs. To avoid extra wiring, it's related costs,and electrical gremlins, my turnouts are opperated manually. Of course, Peco has a far greater selection of turnouts, crossover and wye available. As far as Peco being non US prototype, once it's painted and ballasted only the rivet counters will be able to tell.
