I would like to ask a question concerning the various codes of HO track. Since laying track is not my strong point, I am concerned with derailments. I have read the varrious suggestions on the necessity of near perfest track laying. My question is this – in HO is there any greater likelyhood that derailments occur when using code 100 as opposed to any of the other codes. Or is the differences in code mainly for cosmetic purposes or strictly for authenticity? Thank you all in advance for your response.
I have both Code 100 and Code 83 track on my layout with transition track at the two points where the two codes meet. I started out with Code 100 but eventually moved to Code 83 as I expanded my layout because manufacturers, particularly Atlas and Walthers Shinohara, seemed to offer a greater variety of straight and curved turnouts, wyes, double crossovers, bridge tracks and turntable tracks.
Code 83 track allegedly looks better and the rail profile is a little higher so wheel flanges are less likely to cause problems, but I cannot perceive any differences in appearance or operation.
I absolutely agree with you on the importance of flawless, or bullet proof, track laying whether it be Code 100 or Code 83. Track has to be perfectly aligned, no humps or otherwise uneven joints, and curves need to be laid without kinks. In that sense, neither Code 100 nor Code 83 is more or less prone to derailments.
I cannot speak to Code 70 or Code 55 track, but I presume that the same considerations apply.
Firstly, this is a Frequently Asked Question. If you do “Search Community” for code 83 you will reap a fine crop of intelligent posts.
The various ills to which track is subject, out of gauge, kinks, loose rail joiners, trouble some turnouts are not really sensitive to the code. It is as easy to lay good code 83 as it is code 100.
If you are starting a new layout and planning to buy new track, might as well go with code 83. It’s widely available, and doesn’t cost much more than code 100. If you are thinking of re cycling used track, you may as well go with code 100, 'cause it is unlikely that you will find much used code 83.
Code 83 is close to scale size in HO, where as code 100 is oversize. Either code will look better and smaller if the rail is painted. Bright shiny rail looks much bigger than rail painted a rusty brown.
All rolling stock made in the last 25 years will run just fine on code 83. Real antique cars can be refitted with rp25 wheel sets, after which they will run fine. Antique locomotives with deep pizza cutter flanges can also be refitted, or the flanges turned down. Unless you have a collection of stuff from the 1950’s, code 83 won’t give you any trouble.