I am getting ready to construct a new HO layout and would like some advice on track selection. I have many years of experience with an O scale layout and I used Atlas 21st Century track. I do not know much about the different HO track lines and any feedback about the different manufacturers of track would be great.
Hi!
I believe that the answer is pretty subjective, and probably affected by a couple of things…
If money is an issue and you are not a perfectionist, then I would not hesitate to go with Atlas flextrack code 100 - or code 83. That also goes for their turnouts and “turnout controllers”. With a little weathering, Atlas trackage can look pretty good. And of course, they make a quality product.
If money is not much of a factor, then you have Peco, Walthers, Micro, and perhaps a couple more. Some of them look really good, with nicely spaced ties, etc., but you do pay for it - and sometimes product availability is a factor.
Of course you could always hand lay track and turnouts, and that would certainly save money and give you the best looking track you can build. But of course, it does take time, patience, and skill.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I have a 5x12 foot HO scale layout which I’ve built over the last 5 years or so. It’s all Code 100, and I’ve used almost all Atlas track. (The “Code” number refers to the height of the rails above the ties.) I’ve had very good luck with all of my track and turnouts. The problems have all been of my own making, and careful attention to good trackwork, something best learned by experience, is now something I take some pride in.
Now, I’m adding another section to my layout. I’ve decided to do this part in Code 83. I think the smaller ties and rails look better, so there will be a couple of places where the trains roll off Code 100 track and on to Code 83. A bit of care must be taken with the trackwork here, but it’s not a big concern. I will once again be using Atlas track, although I’ll probably get more adventurous and put some more prototypical turnouts by different manufacturers in the foreground track on the new section.
Last week you were using Atlas Code 83, right?
Yes, thats what I was leaning towards, but the local train shop in my area is pushing code 100. They also do not carry Atlas HO track, so they have been trying to talk me out of Atlas track. Any suggestions?
That’s kind of unusual. I’d venture to say that Atlas flex track is the most common track item bought by model railroaders in the US. I think it’s also considerably less expensive than other track. I’m surprised that the shop doesn’t carry it. Do they have other Atlas products? It may be that there is a problem between this shop and the Atlas distributer.
Code 83 is more prototypical, and I wish I’d built Phase 1 of my layout with it as well. My fears of having problems with old deep-flange wheels were unfounded.
Codes 70 and 55, and on occasion, code 40 would likely be more prototypical.
Mark
For atlas code 100 or 83, check out NHS hobbies on the net
Order from myatomic as they are just about as cheap as anywhere and free shipping over $25.00. A forum member turned me on to them, just wish they carried all the lines.
I began using code 83 Atlas but then saw the Micro Engineering’s weathered track at a show and discovered not all code 83 is equal. ME’s weathering is an anodizing liquid that in no way interferes with electrical conductivity and when polished off the top of the rails it looks great. That’s the obvious difference (well I guess that and price are the obvious differences) until you begin to apply it to a curve. The Atlas track has it’s ‘sliding’ rail all on one side and will not hold after its curved and released- it all but straitens back out on its own. In contrast, the ME track alternates the sliding to alternate sides every two ties- when you bend it into a curve, it stays bent. Another difference is the bottom of the ME rail is a bit thinner so that while the rail is code 83 Atlas rail joiners fit like size 12 shoes on a size 9 feet- you have to use ME joiners and open them up a bit to fit the Atlas side where the two different brands connect. I also found it helped to shim under the ME side a bit where the two brands connect. I suspect the stay bent versus self straitening is a matter of personal preference but my ME curves went smoother than the Atlas when I was laying them down. ME’s weathering looks far better than my own (albeit clumsy) efforts on the Atlas. Take a look at the ME track before you buy anything else- I’ll bet you’ll like it. The best price I found on it was at MB Klein but I didn’t look everywhere before my purchase. &n