OK, someone please explain the difference in track codes. That is the new Atlas code 55, versus 100, 83, and what I buy off the shelf from Atlas. Thanks, and have a train kinda day! Been collecting track for my n-scale for years, but apparantly haven't been paying much attention : )
Welcome to TrainBoard In simple terms, track "code" is the height of the metal rail in hundredths of an inch, so..... Code 100 is .100" tall Code 83 is .083" tall Code 55 is .055" tall When you consider that in N scale 1 ft = 0.075" you can see that, relatively speaking, Code 100 and Code 83 rail are "too tall" to look right in N scale. At present Peco makes what they call a Code 55 track, but some of the rail is buried inside the plastic ties, leaving approx. .055" exposed above the ties. This is offered on simulated concrete ties (long popular in Europe but just now coming into wider use in the USA)with wider tie spacing. Micro Engineering (ME) and now Atlas are offering a more scale-looking Code 55 on simulated wooden ties with closer tie spacing. Most locomotives and rolling stock run equally well on any of the 3 sizes mentioned. As far as compatibility of the different sizes when used together, you do have to make adjustments, usually on the bottom side of the rail, to make sure that the top surface of the adjoining rails are smooth and level. eNjoy Don B
Hi Don, as a matter of trivia, since you mentioned concrete ties in europe, Actually experimentation with concrete ties began in the US back in the 1920's. When Henry Ford owned the DT&I, he tried concrete ties made at the Ford concrete plant near the Rouge Factory. Unfortunately it was a failure, due to lack of modern reinforcement technology, coupled with big Berkshire and Mike steam engines and the freeze thaw of Michigan winters caused them to crack and crumble. As far as track codes, Atlas older style track is code 80. ME has 55 and 70. Kato track is also code 80. 55, is equivalent in size to the heaviest modern rail at 152 lb/yard, so it is still not quite to scale, but sure looks a heck of a lot better. Codes 83 and 100 are typical HO sectional track sizes. Code 40 is more to scale in N, but also creates wheel trouble for older N scale locomotives.
