Hey all,
I am getting back into model railroads now that I actually have time for it. I will be creating an N Gauge layout using Code 80 track. I already have a heap of Atlas turn outs, and other gear, but the problem is I can’t get hold of any Atlas Code 80 Flex Track. Will I have any problems using the Atlas points with Peco Code 80 Flex Track?
Thanks in advance!
No compatibility problem. I prefer PECO code 80 turnouts and have used them with a mix of Atlas code 80 flex track and PECO code 80 flex track for over 30 years.
PECO rail joiners are a tight fit on the Atlas track (sometimes hard to put on) and Atlas rail joiners a little loose on PECO track, but both work well. The rail head on PECO track is a little narrower than the on Atlas, but I have never had a problem mixing the brands.
For a little variety in rail size, consider using PECO code 55 for some sidings and spus. Because of its design it is 100% compatible with code 80.
Thanks for the reply.
So there’s no height difference in the tracks / ties?
I hear a lot of people talking about the Peco turnouts being better. What’s the difference between those and the Atlas turnouts?
Hi S&T,
I hung back 24 because Atlas ain’t that thick on the ground over this side of the pond(UK) so I thought I’d let someone who knows them both give their two bits.
Peco is a very good product (check out other posts) and read up all you can. Codes 83 & 55 track & points(turn outs) can be mixed, but the knit-pickers will soon find falt as they do, the points do look odd.
That being said, 55 looks more like proto, is stiffer to bend. You check which rail slides( 1 is real stiff the other not so much) the loose one goes on outside of curves, keep the odd looking ties on points, you’ll need them to fill at joints of which I always use live Electro Frog for better pickup.
One thing I found on N gauge points there is very little contact area between point blades and running rails(DC & DCC) oxidisation, muck, loose balast etc builds up to cause feed problems. So I take feeds from the fishplates in front of the point to the 2 contacts a pointmotor switch on the pointmotor, forgot the No PL somthing or other and take a wire from the single tag to the frog an back-feed to the point blades, OK ti’s load of hassle but I don’t get feed or pickup problems.
I have also started doing the on HO/OO code 75 because unlike code 100 there ain’t no tabs next to the tie bar for transfer from rails to the blades.
Ye I know a bit long winded but I hope it helps.
Be in touch.
pick.
The functional difference in the turnout is the PECO have a built in spring to hold the points for the direction set and thus can be used without an additional mechanical linkage. Often, when in reach, Peco turnouts are used without a switch machine or any kind of remote control. One just moves the points using their finger.
When a linkage tor remote control or a switch machine (other than a PECO machine) is attached , it us usually necessary to remove the spring for proper operation.
The points on the Atlas turnouts require an additional linkage (usually part of a switch machine) to hold them in the direction set.
Both Atlas and Peco will usually have good electrical continuity out of the box, but because of ballast, dirt and eventual wear, jumper wires to maintain continuty are advisable for both brands.