Hi , I want to build a layout that uses 0 gauge for the mainline and 0n30 for a narrow gauge line to a slate quarry . My confusion is rail code, If I understand it correctly I think its the height of the rail but I have seen it from code 40 to code 148 , , Do I have to use a certain code rail for each scale of modeling or can I use the same for both , for example could I use code 100 for both 0 gauge and 0n30 , I realise one would be out of scale in the real world but I can live with that .The reason I ask is I want to make my own track and the tools available at āFast Tracksā for filing frogs and the moving rail on turnouts etc are quite pricey and if I can get away with using just one track code I need only buy one set of tools. I know model railway is not a cheap hobby but when you live on old age pension it helps to save where you can
The short answer is yes, you can use it for both. The only issue is that some rolling stock (mostly older) have wheel flanges that might bottom out on some of the lower codes. I would say go ahead with code 100 and you wonāt have any issues.
Of course, since Iām not an expert, maybe some of the more knowledgeable modelers here can give you more exact advice
Hey, @York1, Do you know anyone who many know about this? I thought of Tony/AVTrainz, but I cant think of anyone else other than @richhotrain or you, and I donāt think rich has been active recently
Welcome on board Don! In your case, since you donāt care about the rail hight being out of scale, I would go with the lowest code that allows for the flanges for your rolling stock. What kind of stuff do you run?
Before you spend anything, why donāt you post this same question on the Classic Toy Trains category? There are many O gauge modelers there who have more expertise in this, and I would hate to steer you wrong.
I barely run O-Scale since Iām a guy with a single O-Scale SD80MAC and a few boxcars, I try to help as best as I can too but i hope I didnātā bother anyone
Donāt ever worry about bothering anyone when youāre trying to help. I bother quite a few people, including my wife, and I donāt worry about it too much! Youāre always welcome to post here!
Iād post this on the P:48 groups.io group. Precision-scale O would certainly have the smallest rail code that would effectively be used, and would probably know the right wheel profiles to turn to operate on it.
@Tony V. Hi Tony Iām not running anything at the momment at home as I havent yet started building a layout but I do own a UK southern region 0-4-4 tank loco that I built in brass. I just measured the flanges on the driving wheels and they are about .040" , but I have no idea what code numbers mean . for example does code 70 suit wheels with 0.070" flanges and code 100 suit 0.100" flanges because if thats how it works I code run my one and only on code 40 , when I bought it the kit said it has 0 gauge fine scale wheels but that doesnt mean much to me
Don
āO gauge finescaleā ought to be the British equivalent of P:48.
Note that the method of rail fixation may have an impact on practical rail code. āCodeā used to refer to the height of the profile in thousandths of an inch, and āfinescaleā (in the references I saw) commonly used code 100 and code 124. In theory you might get code 55 flat-bottom to āclearā a forty-thou flange, but you might have to solder to circuit-board ties and add suitable veneer for tie detail and depth.
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice . though my little southern could mange smaller code track I think I will stick with code 100 so if ever i get anything with deeper flanges I will still be ok , I have a class 66 waiting to be built , I best see what wheels they are . for the 16.5 track I am liking the look of the Backman Hunslet narrow gauge but not so keen on the price , I think its a bit over priced but we shall see
Heavy mainline rail would be Code148 in O scale. Lighter 130lb branch line rail would be Code 125. Code 100 in O scale would be 5" tall prototype rail. That was used back in the early 1900ās but not today.
