Hi Guys, Some of you know that I model BNSF and NS in N scale. But after traveling to the NMRA show and seeing several Blackstone engines and various cars in HOn3 me and a friend of mine are going to put together a small Portable/Modular HOn3 layout. I’m wondering what Code rail is the closest to the Scale track. I’ve used code 80 and Code 55 in N scale and the Code 80 seems to big and the Code 55 seems a bit small, Has anyone used the Code 70? and I’ve used ME track in HO and I don’t really like it, but I can put up with it if I have to, Besides Handlaying, is there any alternative to the ME and Shinohara track?
Just like in standard gauge, rail size varied with era and with use. When first laid, narrow gauge lines typically used 35-60 lb rail. Logging lines would typically use lighter rail than common carrier or mining lines. The 60lb rail would prove too light for later generations of narrow gauge locomotives such as D&RGW’s K series 2-8-2s (1905 and later). Typically, these required 80lb or better rail.
In HO scale, code 70 rail is closest to 100lb rail. Code 55 rail represents 75 lb rail, and code 40 represents 40 lb.
When HOn3 first became popular, code 70 was the smallest size commonly available. Shinohara developed their track using code 70 rail, and still uses code 70 today. ME makes track in code 70, code 55, and code 40, and #6 turnouts in code 55 (I don’t know about other ME rail sizes for turnouts). Most new HOn3 layouts probably use code 55, but many existing layouts were built with code 70. Code 70 is quite common for dual gauge track.
On my 1900 era layout, standard gauge will use code 70 and code 55, the narrow gauge will use code 55 and code 40. This is somewhat oversize for the main lines, but I want the contrast of rail sizes.
A few more thoughts on track. I used Shinohara turnouts and ME track (including a fair amount of dual gauge), so most everything that the narrowgauge runs on is Code 70. I did use some Code 55 for sidings. The code 70 track doesn’t look bad when ballasted and weathered down. It also tends to hold up a little better to the typical issues of maintenance and the “issues” people often have, especially if you’re doing module type stuff.
Truth be told though, from what I’ve read on the Yahoo HOn3 list, those who are going for the best combination of scale and robustness tend to go with Code 55. This includes some module people, so it can be done. Then to use smaller rail for sidings, you need the Code 40. Think about it if you used ALL Code 40 and you want to really duplicate the effect of smaller rail in sidings. othing much smaller is made – or probably practical, though who knows.
For code 55 and code 40, check your spikes. You’ll need some that will clear the flanges, so some people stick to glue (inadvertent pun) but spiking with the correct spikes sounds better to me.
And aren’t those Blackstones great locomotives? Long time HOn3 folks have looked forward to this day. Blackstone also has RTR RIO Grande rolling stock in a variety of flavors coming, including several new cars that were mentioned as coming at the NMRA National Train Show this week. PSC/MMI has their K-27s just hitting the stores and will also have RTR rolling stock headed this way. Microtrains has already found a receptive market with their C&S rolling stock. The non-Colorado people are still grumbling there’s not much for them, but the variety of kits and compatability with the very wide and deep HO market means a lot REALLY is available, you just have to build it.
First one to market with a geared loco comparable in performance and price with the Blackstone-level of quality we’ve already seen will be the next barrier, if you ask me.
A few more thoughts on track. I used Shinohara turnouts and ME track (including a fair amount of dual gauge), so most everything that the narrowgauge runs on is Code 70. I did use some Code 55 for sidings. The code 70 track doesn’t look bad when ballasted and weathered down. It also tends to hold up a little better to the typical issues of maintenance and the “issues” people often have, especially if you’re doing module type stuff.
Truth be told though, from what I’ve read on the Yahoo HOn3 list, those who are going for the best combination of scale and robustness tend to go with Code 55. This includes some module people, so it can be done. Then to use smaller rail for sidings, you need the Code 40. Think about it if you used ALL Code 40 and you want to really duplicate the effect of smaller rail in sidings. othing much smaller is made – or probably practical, though who knows.
For code 55 and code 40, check your spikes. You’ll need some that will clear the flanges, so some people stick to glue (inadvertent pun) but spiking with the correct spikes sounds better to me.
And aren’t those Blackstones great locomotives? Long time HOn3 folks have looked forward to this day. Blackstone also has RTR RIO Grande rolling stock in a variety of flavors coming, including several new cars that were mentioned as coming at the NMRA National Train Show this week. PSC/MMI has their K-27s just hitting the stores and will also have RTR rolling stock headed this way. Microtrains has already found a receptive market with their C&S rolling stock. The non-Colorado people are still grumbling there’s not much for them, but the variety of kits and compatability with the very wide and deep HO market means a lot REALLY is available, you just have to build it.
First one to market with a geared loco comparable in performance and price with the Blackstone-level of quality we’ve already seen will be the next barrier, if you ask me.
ok guys. I’m not sure how well the code 55 would hold up on a modular layout. I use Code 55 on my N scale layout and I’m not sure if its strong enough to be on a modular layout. Would the Code 70 be horribly out of scale?
Code 70 is a little heavy for representing the protoype for most narrow gauge applications. As I’ve noted, though, once it’s ballasted and weathered, the visual difference between it and code 55 is not significant in my eyes. The only time you’d really notice the difference is if you plan a lot of closeup photography.
In fact, I’ve got LOTS of code 70 and am quite happy with the tradeoff between the appearance and its greater resistance to damage, as well as ease of tracklaying.