I am thinking I want to re-do my trackwork to accomidate larger locomotives (I want to run Northerns and Challangers). I was also thinking about going with code 55 track for better appearance, but have never used it before, so I don't know what to expect. Which brand is prefered for "club quality" operation? Do you have to grind down your loco flanges? Do you need to mix with code 80 turnouts for good operation? Operation is most important, apperance is also important. ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
That's an easy one! Peco Code 55 track and turnouts. The way it's made you won't have to turn the flanges on your loco's! The Micro-Engineering track looks super but is a little testie! I'd avoid it till they get it to settle down. Happy track laying! ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
I agree with Brent. I would personally go with the ME55 for it's looks, but it is more difficult to work with, and turnout selection is very limited. The Peco code 55 rail is physically the same height as their code 80 except for a second 'foot' to give it the look of 55, the rest being molded into the ties. Full range of turnouts and crossings, plus it can be joined to code 80 if need be, and it goes down well. Tie spacing is more to European standards than ME's. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
Full agreement! Peco code 55 is the one to use - and not just 'cos it's British ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com/index
Well, I just ordered $500 worth of Peco electrofrog code 55. 50 -36 Inch Flex Track Sections 6 -RH Medium 55 TO 6 -LH Medium 55 TO 4 -RH Large 55 TO 4 -LH Large 55 TO 1 -LH Curved 55 TO 1 -RH Curved 55 TO 1 -Medium Wye Code 55 TO 6 -Nickel Rail Joiners 1 -Insulating Joiners I posted in several places on the web, and based off the replys: Micro Engineering looks best but you have to fiddle with 25% of the turnouts you install. Atlas track is of the "if it works don't fix it" varity. Paint it to make it look better. Peco ties look European, but better than Atlas code 80, and operation is the best, but be wary of Electrofrog. Now that I decided on track, I have to figure out what the deal is with electrofrog and DCC. Any ideas? ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pray59: Micro Engineering looks best but you have to fiddle with 25% of the turnouts you install. Atlas track is of the "if it works don't fix it" varity. Paint it to make it look better. Peco ties look European, but better than Atlas code 80, and operation is the best, but be wary of Electrofrog.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> You've just summed up about 5000 posts about N Scale track all over the internet, pretty efficiently I might add... <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pray59: Now that I decided on track, I have to figure out what the deal is with electrofrog and DCC. Any ideas? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Well, I found a site http://www.wiringfordcc.com that covers the modifications for various turnouts to make them DCC friendly. I have the same situation with the Electrofrog's. I haven't tried the recommendations as of yet but they seem to be appropriate, from my limited knowledge. Hope this helps...
