HO Track, I need to know what to do

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am new to HO Scale. Switching from O for space reasons. I have acquired a small amount of Atlas code 83 track. I would like to know the following.

Is all Atlas code 83 track compatible with each other?
Is all Atlas compatible with all other brands? Are there certain combinations to be avoided?

From what I have read in the forum the answer to these questions might be, “Yes, pretty much but sometimes not”

What about flextrack? Is it the way to go? Compatibility issues?

Thanks

2

I use flextrack exclusively, and mostly Atlas. No sectional track at all. It fits just fine with Walthers and Peco turnouts with no modification to rail joiners (though there are some minor differences in the cross-section of the rail, the rail joiners fit fine, and the rail head heights and widths are the same for all practical purposes.

3

All Atlas code 83 track should be compatible with all other Atlas code 83 track (flex or otherwise). However, code 83 track from other manufacturers will be different dimensions. I can verify that Peco and Walters are different dimensions.

-Tom

4

Mark,

My Walthers track is a very different size than my Peco flex track. The Peco track is very thin, but has a high profile. The Walthers turnout is thick but lower profile. They do not match up well. I have a picture here:

http://www.cyberrailguru.com/gallery/ig_trackwork/DSCN2851

-Tom

5

“Yes, pretty much but sometimes not”

You have hit the nail on the head. That is exactly the right answer. You will have to experiment a bit with the combinations you intend to use. You may have to:

  • file
  • bend
  • smooth
  • shim
  • persuade
  • coerce
  • etc

your chosen combination, but yes, it will work together most of the time…

We have guys at the modular club who regularly use Code 100 peco switches with Code 83 Atlas flex track. Some others use Walthers/Shinohara turnouts with Code 100 flex. the key is to find/make/modify the right joiners for your situation so the track is firmly and smoothly joined.

Andrew

6

I want to say that not all tracks are equal. If you aquired brass track and you have not already installed it, I would say not to bother. When brass corrodes, the oxide does not conduct electricity.

Nickel-silver when it corrodes will conduct electricity.

But you probably already know this from your ) days.

7

The brass track days ended about the same time code 83 was becoming popular. I am quite certain that no one has made straight brass code 83 track.

8

I would go flex track, mainly because it can fit your needs better, and it is more prototypical. Also, it allows for 23+" radii curves, something that sectional can’t. With compatability, I think you should just experiment around, and see what best suites you.

9

The only sectional track that I know of that is greater than 23" radius is Atlas at 24". There may be others, but I’m sure someone will chime in with it. There was a company. now defunct, that sold styrene track templates that I used and they are great. I’m sure someone else makes some, and they are well worth the money. Saves time AND money.

10

Thanks for all of the great advice

P-

11

I use Walthers Code 83 turnouts with Atlas Code 83 track, and the only thing really needed to match them is to put some .020" styrene shims under a couple of the ties on the turnouts, as the Walthers ties are thinner than the Atlas ones. Oh, and you’ll have to remove a tie or two from the ends of the turnout and the flex track to make space for the rail joiners. Otherwise, they work fine together.