Model railroad track codes defined

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1

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Model railroad track codes defined

2

This is most useful information for prototype modelers, but wish it were more detailed (i.e. had more sizes included ) for HO–what’s the equivalent of Codes 55 and 40 in this scale?

3

Great definition. In the ‘typical’ ptototype, where are various size rails used? Yards= code xx, main= code yy, branches and spurs= code zz?

Thanks

4

Hi William,
Regarding your question. Code 100 would be prototypical for only a high speed main line. Code 83 would be more prototypical for most main lines, code 70 for most steam era main lines. Code 70 or code 55, if your using code 70 for main line track, would be appropriate for sidings and spurs. For more information on track, see Modeling different types of track by Paul Dolkos in the October 2008 issue.

Dana Kawala
Associate Editor

5

Nice to have this information in one place. Good job.

6

Hi Doug,
You can use transition rail joiners for code 83 to code 100 track. These are available from Walthers, Atlas, and other firms.
Hope this helps.

Dana Kawala
Associate Editor

7

I have bundles of rail that someone gave for Scale O and I have a micrometer and thoughts on how I determine what I have here?

8

Saw a good deal on some flex track $50 for 28 pc. 36" nickel steel. Never used. Cement color ties what the heck I bought it. I forgot to check code. It was code 83 I have code100. Is there any way to match this up in a lay out to make it usable. I have been out of trains many years and just starting anew. Rookie mistake.

9

Nice Article.
Could Find how download stutters mill Wall paper

10

I am using lifelike’s Powerloc code 100 steel rail I like the design to the powerloc system . It’s easy to use and you can get a mainline up and running in no time . Being in a wheelchair it takes time to build a layout . I’m been woking on a 12x10 for almost two years now .

11

GREAT INFO thanks

12

i’m just getting back in to this and was confussed my self this helps out a lot. I guess i’m old time I’m not really into this power loc track. Yes I have some and I use it as break in track only for now. May be I’ll try to set up some thing small with it.

13

Nice way to access prototype rail sizes as compared to HO and N scale. I was out railfaning on the Joint line south of Denver in Larkspur Colorado and looked at the welded rail used by BNSF and UP on there mainline for coal and freight. The make of the rail is various suppliers but I did notice that the welds are harder to notice when you stand at trackside and look down the web. The rail size used on the Joint line is 136 pound rail. Concrete ties are used in places but the majority of the line is still wood ties.

14

Good to know.

15

In what context are the various sizes of rails used, ie, mainline, turnouts, branch lines, freight yards, etc. Thanks.

16

Hi George,
Regarding your question, check out Paul Dolkos’ article “Modeling different types of track” in the October 2008 issue.
Thanks for reading.
Dana Kawala
Senior editor

17

I have used code100 to code 83 transition track. I find hat it works much better than the transition rail joiners. I don’t remember the manufacturer bt I think it was Walthers and I think that is Shinohara.

18

I’m a newbie to model railroading and I’ve been reading up on the subject. This is the first time I’ve run across the idea to “transition” the track code on ones layout. Is this necessary or is this just keeping to the prototype standards?

19

@lee anderson:
Yes, it is necessary to use a transition track on your layout as it allows smooth operation from one code track to another and without the transition track the wheel sets on your rolling stock will tend to ‘‘jump’’ and derail as it crosses the joint. Hope it helps.

20

Thanks, I have been wondering for years the difference. Now maybe it will help solve cars jumping track. Most of my set is used track.