I have a question regarding joining Peco switches with Atlas Code 55 sectional track.
When attaching the rail joiner to each side there is an unlevel “bump” Since Peco Code 55 is really Code 80 buried deeper in the ties, it just doesn’t seem to work.
I was wondering if anyone has run into this problem and how did you solve it?
Thanks for your help
Joe Reddick
One way is to place rail joiners on the larger rail, flatten them, place smaller rail on flattened joiners, line up rail heads and solder. With a little practice you should be able to get a smooth transition.
Another way is to use transition joiners, if you can find them. Some were advertised in the major model railroad mags awhile back.
I just did my first last night. I took my dremel and ground off the bottom part of the peco (very carefully) until it sorta matched the atlas code 55 and then slid on an atlas rail joiner. The tops of the rail were a pretty good match. Then i soldered it and hit it with a file and presto it works perfect. The one problem you will have is the peco ties are so thick you will have to shim a few inches of track so you won’t have that noticable hump. Also the only good looking thing about the pecos is the nice all metal frog. I did not know when I bought the atlas code 55 track that is was so much different that the old code 80 stuff I used in the past. The code 55 is really an excellent looking track and I will use it on my whole layout , I just assumed it would look a bit more like the code 80 stuff which isn’t too far off the pecos. So I assumed they would be a pretty good match. Anyway once its ballasted and some scenery around the area it will all blend in. But I think I am going to buy some Atlas turnouts and probably more pecos and then just put the appropiate turnout in the appropriate area of the layout. The pecos maybe in more out of the way areas and atlases in up close areas. We’ll see. Anyway just hit it with a dremel if you have one and it will work just fine. If I can do it anybody can! Trust me!
Tom