I have worked with Atlas code 100 forever and thought about switching to Code 83 for my new layout. Dont have much 100 from old layout so this is a good point to think about changing. Does code 83 have more derailments? Do 6axle locs run fine on say, 22" r 83’s? Thanks for ur opinion! Ben
Code 83 rail is .017 inch shorter than code 100. With that goes a bit less rigidity in the track, but careful prep of the roadbed and laying the track should give you just a reliable operation as code 100.
Most modellers use code 83 or 70 for the visual difference from code 100.
Ben,
I have Code 83, 22" AND 18" radii on my layout, and a 6-axle BLI AC6000(?) ran on it with no problems. (One of the fellas from the train club brought his over to try it out. I run smaller steam and diesel.)
As long as your tracklaying and track are sound, I don’t think you’ll have any troubles at all. The Code 83 is definitely more prototypical looking than the Code 100.
Tom
Cool, then i think ive made my decision, thanks! 83 is definately more real! brown ties and smaller too. I still think ill paint the ties though! Thanks, Ben