Designing my first layout, will be 4 x 8 or close to that and in N scale. Looking for ideas or pros and cons about track types. Code 100 vs Code 83? Are bridges all standard at 100 and I would need to transition up and down from 83 on the mainline? Also conventional snap track vs track with an integral road bed like True track? Thanks for any ideas. Russ Gordon
Peco and Atlas are the two main competitors in this market. The Peco 80 used to be the standard code for peco, but then they brought out their code 55, which is what I am using. You will need to see this track in person to understand what I am saying, but it is code 80 with some of the track embedded to give it a code 55 look. Flanges bottoming out are not a problem with Peco 55. Atlas has entered the market place with code 55, but some engines and MicroTrain car's flanges will bottom out on the molded in spikes. There are solutions to this predicament, but of course, it adds to the cost. The idea behind the Atlas 55 is that it looks the most North American, where as Peco 55 ties are spread out a bit to much. I find once you have ballasted that issue is almost a non-issue.
I am using Peco 55 too. I used to use the Atlas 80 for reliability, but the Peco 55 is hands down the most reliable flextrack you can buy. And their Electrofrog turnouts have reduced stalls to almost nonexistant. By imbedding the rails into the ties, the flextrack is stiffer than other brands, but it holds it's gauge much better, and I get far fewer derailments. The only thing I would do to improve this track would be change the tie spacing to match North American prototypes.
