Is there a problem if I try to connect Micro Engineering code 83 rail to Atlas code 83 flextrack?
The problems, if any, should be minimal; just be careful. The problem(s) if any, come when you try to combine unmatched codes of rail, such as code 100 and code 70. This usually requires some shimming of the smaller rail, soldering, and the final cleanup, such as filing the head surfaces for smoothness.
Rich
I suspect that you will have to shim the ME track to get the rail tops at the same elevation. The ties on the Atlas code 83 are thicker so that the top of rail height will match with their code 100.
You may also find the Atlas rail to be slightly wider at the base (and rail head) than the ME rail. ME rail joiners will likely be a frustratingly tight fit, while Atlas rail joiners will need to be crimped tighter on the ME rail.
just my thoughts and experiences
Fred W
Being in Nobility-Scale this is technically a moot point but I have been using ME Code 55 rail/track since the Rail Craft days when it was the only game in town. I intend to continue using it despite the fact that Atlas now offers competing product
Atlas and ME code 83 have different shapes. The base of Atlas rail is wider and thicker, and the web is thicker too. A rail joiner that fits properly on ME will be too tight to slide on stock Atlas rail at all, and a joiner that’s properly tight on Atlas will be too loose on ME. You also have the problem of Atlas ties being taller than ME so the two brands of track don’t sit at the same overall height.
I try to limit places where these two brands meet. Where they do, I use Atlas N scale code 80 joiners, and file a chamfer into the end of the Atlas rail base, plus file the web a little, so the joiner will slide onto the Atlas 83 without being too loose on the ME. It’s really not that tough to do, but the joints need to be handled carefully.
Strongly disagree. With a little shimming, it’s usually easy to mix track types. Especially with ME’s extremely limited turnout offerings, it’s often necessary.
After you get them joined, run your finger over the joint. If there’s a bump on the top/inside use a Dremel or fine file to smooth it out.
Paul
I suspect the reason for the question is makign turnouts with the Fast Tracks kits but using Atlas flex for most of the layout. Not a huge deal, just mind the joiners and make sure there is a tight fit, or jsut solder them all.
I cheated - it’s not highly advertised, but Fast Tracks will make the jigs to fit other rail besides ME. I had mine made to fit Atlas Code 83 rail, and just strip it from flextrack. So all my rail is Atlas.
–Randy
Yikes ! I just don’t like doing that. Better to shim the joints to level out the height of the rails. Filing leaves dips which can be noticeable as rolling stock passes over those areas. The pilot trucks of steamers really dislike that kind of stuff.
Rich
Rich
I actually had to do that for 2 sections of STrax that didn’t line up correctly - one rail leaned over a little and picked the pilot on my 2-8-0. A little work with the Dremel and everything runs fine.
Paul