code 100 & code 83,and mixing brands/codes?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have a lot of code 100 track and code 100 shinohara turnouts already in place and I think I would like to try putting in some peco turnouts(the new cd83,american style).In the past I’ve had a few little problems when I,ve mixed different brands of track,such as atlas flex with ME flex.I always have to do a little fileing and shimming because of the slight difference in tie thickness railhead width and profile etc.I try to get the rail together so that you dont hear much of a “click” when metal wheels pass over the joint.As to mateing code 100 to code 83 ----I,ve used transition rail joiners,shims,solder and I still can,t get it acceptable.What’s the “trick” or procedure for mixing codes and manufactures?

2

I inserted a Walthers code 83 double slip switch into my code 100 layout by placing a thickness of blotter paper under the switch so that the tops of the rails were even. The joints were then soldered together.

3

I use all sorts of rail sizes on my layout. While my default is Peco code 75 (all switches and mainline track), I use Atlas code 83 for my staging yards (I had it handy), Atlas code 83 for all diamonds (Peco doesn’t make the ones I need, and I’m not willing to pay for Shinohara or Micro Engineering), ME code 70 flextrack (cheaper than Peco 75), and ME code 50 (for spurs).

I just connect the track and go. Most of my track joints are soldered, so the track doesn’t shift. Once the track’s been well tested, I file the joints down until they match up. A small dip int he track doesn’t hurt anything, and my trains derailment free (well, unless there’s a wheel problem…!)

4

I have had to mix and match occasionally. I did try the ransition joiners once. They are not worth the money. Shimming, fileing and soldering work the best.

5

I came to the same conclusion on the tranisition joiners.
Which method do you recommend?

6

Just looking in the 2005 Walthers Reference Book and on page 275 there is a reference to two transistion tracks; Code 83 to 100 and Code 83 to 70. Looks like this could be a solution. Might be a little expensive. Has anybody tried these on their layout?

Rudy