Hi all. Well, as posted on another forum, looks like I'm sticking with N scale (Sorry Max, looks like Im keepin my tigers ) So what I was wondering is, what track are ya using and why did ya chose it. Back when I had my layout many moons ago, I used atlas nickel flex and switches exclusively. I still have all the switches and about 90% of em wrk fine, but this time around Im leaning towards a prototype look. Also I finished my track plan!!!!!! The garage is insulated as of today and I expect to start sheetrocking in the very near future. Speaking of trackplans, how many of you actually stuck with the plan after contruction started, did you add anything on the fly?
I use Peco finescale track and switches (code 55), because it is very good track, and it is readily available, as it is made here in England Yes, my track plan was "modified" several times during construction Isn't everyones ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Well Moose, I have to say that I am still using the Atlas nickel flex, mainly because I can almost afford it and its the only stuff I can get without ordering it from a zillion miles away !! Maybe not too prototypical, but I gotta work with what I can get!! Hope you get the sheet rocking done soon so you can come over and do my garage for me !! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
I too use Atlas code 100 flextrack. Doesn't look too bad when ballasted. It's cheap and it provides a firm track for good running. Most of us start off with a track plan and if you are like me, I drew dozens of them. Sometimes a plan is possible to follow and other times the track just doesn't look right so changes get made. Thats what makes this hobby interesting ------------------ Robin Maberly and Tayside
I use Shinnohara flex NS and their #10 switches. For my big engines, I have had to hand make the switches. OOPS! Sorry, I'm HO, its big enough I can see it. Yes I followed my track plan, after weeks on the computer in AutoCad, I knew ahead of time, there wasn't anywhere else to put it. Im saving up to buy the second section of track as soon as possible. ------------------ Watash
On my NTrak and oNeTrak modules, I am using Peco Finescale Code 55 flextrack and turnouts because I like the appearance of it and also, I find that it is the most sturdy track around, which is great for modules which are constantly being moved. On my last layout, I used Micro Engineering and Railcraft Code 55 flextrack and I scratchbuilt the turnouts in place. For my new layout, I have regained my sanity somewhat and intend to use Micro Engineering code 55 Flextrack and Peco Finescale code 55 Turnouts, using a small peice of Peco code 55 flextrack with the rail trimmed up to the upper section so that it will mate with a peice of code 55 rail. For those unfamiliar with Peco Fineline, It is code 80 rail (80/1000 of an inch) with a standard rail profile and an additional web placed 25/1000 of an inch from the bottom and buried into the ties up to that level, giving the track a lower (code 55) profile. I have used Atlas code 80 in the past, and I consider it to be good quality, in that it is still one of the recommended types of track for NTrak modules, is widely available, and is relitivly inexpensive when compared with other brands, so you can't go wrong with it. I think that all trackplans were designed and intended to be changed or at least modified to some degree, as it is human nature to make changes as we see fit, so go ahead and be creative and keep us all posted on your progress. BTW, Max, I manage a model train store and we do see the occasional Kato GP50 Tiger come through, either 2nd hand or on consignment and if one does show up, I will let you know. Happy Modeling. Cheers, Terry
I am using Atlas code 80 flextrack and #6 switches. I think it is the most awesome and prototypical looking track out there ...LOL. I use Atlas track because it is cheap,durable, and available just about everywhere. Once painted and ballested it does'nt look too bad. I've changed my track plans many times before I started my layout. Right now I'm changing my yard from stub ended to double ended.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan: I use Peco finescale track and switches (code 55), because it is very good track, and it is readily available, as it is made here in England <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I agree Alan. When I start in on a layout of my own (only have a module now), I will use Peco's Code 55 track and turnouts. I was going to use Code 55 on my module but my club said it is to small for some older steam locomotive flanges, oh well. ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
I use Peco code 55 wood tie and 80 concrete. I have some Atlas code 80 to fill in until someone makes those pieces. Both brands are of good quality, but are not US prototype. Maybe Atlas or Peco will fix this small problem soon. ------------------ Brent Tidaback, Member #234 BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot! Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners! The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant: Both brands are of good quality, but are not US prototype. Maybe Atlas or Peco will fix this small problem soon. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Brent, I doubt that Peco will change their track, after all they are a British company, producing British track ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
I use Atlas track exclusively right now, but that is because I don't have the money to buy Micro-Engineering code 55 track. In my opinion, it is definitely worth the money. As for Atlas, as mentioned before, it is cheap, durable, and doesn't look half bad when finally finished. ------------------ Corey Lynch Pres - Rensselaer Model RR Society, NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W
I use ATLAS track and turnouts and have done so since 1978.I see no reason to change to a more expencive track when ATLAS fills my needs nicely.
I used Atlas sectional on phase I of my layout, and Atlas flextrack on phase II, along with the atlas "custom" line of turnouts, and caboose hand throws. I had the automatic turnouts but liked doing it by hand better plus the automatic were ugly... so I cut out the "machine" part to look like the custome line on my phase II, and I love throwing the switches by hand. If I were to do it all over again, I would use Life Like snap track... ROFLMFAO seriously, I would go with peco, I've seen it on a visiting N scale clubs layout, I like the smaller ties and the turnouts are better too. I filed the tips on my Atlas some what like the peco and have less derailments from my Life Like locos. ------------------ espee2 Railroading in Southern Oregon www.tunnel13.com layout: SP's Newberg Branch in N scale
On my layout I have used Peco insulfrog points with Peco point motors dirctly mounted under the points. For track I have used both Peco and Atlas although Peco is longer per length and slightly cheaper. One advantage with atlas track is it comes predrilled whereas Peco Flexible does not. ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Why don't you guys use Railroad track? Its made for trains to run on, I think. ------------------ Watash #982
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tunnel88: I wish ME would get on the ball and offer a wide assortment of #s in Code 40... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> One of the members in our NTrak group intends to handlay (including turnouts) his entire layout (17 ft x 26 ft) in N scale with code 40 ME Rail and Pre-made code 40 turnouts would most definatly keep him from going insane. Happy Modeling. Cheers, Terry
Hi, please tell what specifically makes Peco turnouts strictly European. I plan to use ME code 55 flex with Peco code 55 to's. Thanks. ------------------ Rod v. B. Rio Grande iNdustries
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rgn1: Hi, please tell what specifically makes Peco turnouts strictly European. I plan to use ME code 55 flex with Peco code 55 to's. Thanks. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Peco Track has a tie spacing which is further apart than North American prototype, However, nobody has ever made any comments to me about it on my NTrak modules or any of our clubs NTrak modules for that matter. Also, we ballast and weather the track and ties quite effectivly. I also intend to use Peco Code 55 along with Micro Engineering Code 55 flex. Hapy Modeling. Cheers, Terry
I use the KATO track. Found it does have some limitations, but it also have a great deal more flexibility in tearing down the complete layout and starting all over again without a dreadful amount of "tacking" down the track and then up again. Plus when you're mentally deficient in wiring like I am, the wiring is sooooo easy. "How many people stuck to their original plans?" <grin> I don't even come close to what I had originally started out with and it's getting worse. <grin> I now realize that this is going to be one project that I will NEVER see completion, and it's going to be a lot more fun. This is the first project that I've never completed, and it will be the first project that I've truly enjoyed.
