I would believe code 40 would be prototypical for that era. If I am not mistaken, even code 55 represents rail that is heavier than modern day class 1 rail used on the heaviest routes.
Code 55 would be OK for the heaviest traffic Class 1 routes in the 40's and 50's. Code 55 represents 134# rail which was coming into common usage during and after WWII. The Pennsy even tried heavier rail around the Horseshoe Curve area during the 30's. I think it was 155#, or something close, but it was too expensive for little increase in benefit.
Good info to have. Anyone know what weight rail C40 would represent in N Scale? Around 120 lb? A nice effect might be obtained with C55 mainline rail and C40 on secondary trackage. It might be a little heavier than you were going for, but it should operate as well as it looks.
I'm using Code 55 for the mainline and then for spurs (the ones close to the viewing area anyway) I've taken out every fourth or fifth tie, and then spread them out. It's a good way to achieve lighter lb. rail without the operating difficulties and buying different track.
The following is based on the American Railway Engineer's Association specifications. There are no direct equivalents to the tracks offered by the N-Scale model industry, so I have chosen the closest matches. Code 40 is 6.4" high in 1:1 scale, which is a little shorter than 115# rail @ 6-5/8". Code 55 is 8.8" high in 1:1 scale, which is much taller than 140# rail @ 7-5/16", the heaviest listed. The specs list a 133.4# rail (the closest to 134#) with a height of 7-1/16". This would be equivalent to about Code 44 in N-Scale. I guess all this says is that we pay our money and make our choice, but we always have fun.
Very clever idea. Got any pics of it? </font>[/QUOTE]At the moment no. I can take one tonight and post it though.
Jeff, wonderful modeling and photo. I'm not sure prototype rail is feasible for the majority of modelers in N scale. But seeing your photos is encouraging me to replace some C55 with C40. It will be a long while, as I have so much other stuff to finish, but I love the look. I often wonder what my next layout--hopefully well over 15 years away, if ever--will look like.
