I’m currently in the track laying process using Code 83 flextrack. I’ve run out of Code 83 rail joiners and an LHS was out of stock of the Code 83 size and suggested using Atlas Code 100, that were practically the same as Code 83 and would work fine.
Is this true? I tested a few of them and they seem to work. Does the wheel flange of rolling stock ever hit the inside surface of the rail joiner?
Thanx much in advance…
Try using N-scale rail joiners instead - I use handlaid Code 75 rail with Roco N-Scale joiners. They slip on really tight and keep the rails in line as the larger joiners would. Once the rails are painted, they almost disappear - looks really nice.
When I bought mine the LHS said the Atlas code 100 and 83 rail joiners are the same.
Bill
Thanks guys…
Whoa! Not only are they not the same, there are differences between brands! Code 83 Walther’s Shinohara track (and joiners) have a wider base flange than Micro-engineering’s do. So Wally’s joiners will work for both, but Micro’s do not without taking a hobby pliers or baby screwdriver and spreading them. jc5729
Makes sense that they are not the same. They certainly look different. I tried some Atlas Code 100 on the Atlas Code 83 track and they seemed to fit a little loosely, but with soldering they seem to work.
Please let me know if I’m screwing up something…
JoeC
The answer to this question depends on the brand of track and brand of rail joiners. I was told by a local hobby shop that Atlas code 100 rail joiners would be exactly the same size as code 83, but that’s not true. The code 100 rail joiners fit Atlas code 83 track, but not Walthers/Shinohara or Peco track or turnouts. If you have Peco code 83 track and turnouts you need to use only Peco rail joiners because the foot of their rail is narrower than Atlas or Shinohara, and Atlas rail joiners fit too loosely.