Hello I’m Steve and I’m from Midwest USA…I’m a beginner to trains and I’m going with HO scale not sure if code 83 or code 100 yet. I’ve been told to go with code 100 so wouldn’t have any issues with some older stuff running on code 83… I really like the look and realism or the code 83 but don’t want major issues…Been looking eBay Craigslist auction etc for stuff but havnt bought or started anything yet …How old we talking for equipment not to run on code 83 and what is everyone preference?? Just fixing to build bench work and looking for dif type plans…can anyone help with info and experience
I have never had a problem running on code 83. If I had to guess I would suspect the issue to be the flanges on the wheelsets of older models. The models have improved greatly over the past 10 years so the wheelsets of today are better that they were 10 years ago.
Take it slow. I have seen too many people go “balls to the wall” and rush into it only to get discouraged because its not looking like they had envisioned, and tear it all out.
As far as plans, there is a program called SCARM…there are also track plans galore on the internet, even here
Welcome and have fun…the only stupid question is the one you dont ask
Jeff
From a preference standpoint, I built two layouts years ago with code 100 but the latest with code 83 and definitely prefer that. On rolling stock cars old favorites can always be upgraded with wheelset changes at a cost. Most wuld likely not be a problem. So it comes down to the old locos you have. Maybe post some details on that and someone will likely know. And do you plan to go DC or DCC. While DC locos can be converted to DCC in many cases, the difficulty varies with the old setup and the motor type may also not be the best for DCC, so many here report that they do not end up converting very many of their older locos.
One consideration may also be the turnout selection (your desired brand and turnout “numbers”) in the two codes. Ideally you would figure out your layout and even potential revisions and check to see if what’s available in each code and desired brand fits your needs. Just a heads up on this, as you can likely make either work out fine.
Steve, Welcome aboard. Code 100 rail (0.10 inches tall from web to flange) is overscale, it corresponds to a prototype rail of 150 pounds per yard, far heavier than even the PRR mainline which was laid with 132 pounds per yard rail. On the other hand, code 100 is widely available, and second hand track is usually code 100. Code 100 track is often a bit cheaper bought new than code 83. I used code 100 on my layout because I acquired a large bundle of code 100 flex track from a friend. After you paint the sides of the rail rust brown, the code 100 track looks pretty good.
Code 83 is closer to scale. US made rolling stock for the last 40 years has NMRA RP-25 wheels which have a shallow flange that easily clears the spike heads on code 83. Even my European made IHC steamers with flanges considerably deeper than RP-25 flanges, ran just fine on the club layout (hand laid code 83 track). If you should dredge up a real old antique with deep “pizza cutter” flanges, you can always replace the wheel sets.
You can go either way and create a fine layout.
Welcome to the forums.
Good idea to think before you buy.
As for track plans, our host has several books with track plans. Another book, often called the bible of track planning by the folks here is John Armstrong’s “Track Planning for Realistic Operation.” There are also several good books on getting started. You can find them all by going to SHOP, then Books on the black line above. If you have a Local Hobby Shop (LHS), they may have them.
In order for the folks here to help you, you will have to give them some additional information. What era, location (part of the country), city, rural, continuous run or switching. If you know where the layout is going, a “map” of the area showing shape of the space, windows, doors, posts electric panels, water meters, furnaces needing access is very helpful. Anything which will need to be considered in your plan.
Have fun,
Richard
If starting a new layout - use the c83 track. It has the largest available turnout types (double curved - double slips - crossovers - etc.).
So you will have a much easier time in selecting turnouts for any place and situation on your layout.
I began with c100 way back in 2000 and just kept it ever since - I have had to adapt c83 double curved turnout to the c100 track but it gets easier time I have to do it!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Hello Steve, and WELCOME to the forum and the hobby! [#welcome]
I started buying stuff for my yet to be layout several years ago. In fact it was about the time that code 83 was being introduced. Being a cheapskate I elected to go with code 100 because it was cheaper. I ended up with about 30 Peco code 100 turnouts over time. That sort of forced me to stay with the oversize rail, but I’m not a rivet counter so it really isn’t an issue for me.
However, if I was starting today I would definately go for code 83. As has been said, code 83 now has the widest selection of turnouts available, and many things, like some bridge track for example, are only available in code 83 these days. The use of code 100 is declining, and the use of code 83 is expanding. Look to the future!
As for the issue of oversize wheel flanges, I don’t think it will be an issue. First of all, there isn’t much of the really old stuff on the market any more. Second, freight and passenger car wheels can be changed easily, and locomotive wheel flanges can be ground down, or replaced in many cases. Lots of the old locomotives aren’t DCC friendly anyhow, and making them functional is a lot of work. You would be better off to acquire newer production locomotives so that you can have them up and running without having to do major rebuilds. Save that for later.
You are wise to research and make some decisions before you start spending money.[Y]
If I can suggest, choose a track plan first and then do your bench work. Many have built the bench work first and then made the track plan fit, but IMHO it would be better to decide how you want your railroad to operate so you can anticipate where you want the track to run first, and then build the bench work to suit. MR has a huge data base of track plans available for free. Go to the top of the page and select ‘How To’ and then select ‘Track Plan Data base’ in the middle column.
Good luck! Have fun!! Keep us posted.
Dave