I’ve just returned to model RR after a 20 year absence and alot has changed!
Although alot of the topics posted have been helpful (thanks !![:)]) I have a few questions about sectional track, specifically code 83.
I know most poeple use flex track cut to length, but I want to do a small temporary layout - We’ll be moving at the end of the year and don’t want to go throught the trouble of cutting track wich might not fit on future plans for a more permanent layout.
1 - The only sectional track i’ve been able to find is Atlas, Does anyone else manufacture sectional track??
2 - how compatible are the tracks (code 83) made by different manufacurers??
as long as you get the same codes generaly most are compatible, I buy atlas and i also use flex track, i think life like makes track, but atglas is the most commong of them all
I use Bachmann’s EZ track sectional track myself. While it’s certainly not the best, it is easy for a person with my medical problems to use. While I can use flex track and the others, it’s just too easy for me to get a severe cut or laceration and not realize it’s severity until it’s too late. So, I play it safe and use the easy to use stuff. Even at that, I still have to cut a peice here and there. After it’s soldered together, it ain’t goin’ nowhere’s.
For a temporary (or even permanent) layout, Atlas track is fine. This is a company that’s been with us since I was a teenager, or before. (The big Six-Oh is next year.) I ended up putting in chunks of Atlas sectional track, and it works just fine. Yeah, more clickity-clack than a 3-foot piece of flex, but isn’t clickity-clack part of railroading?
I’m in Code 100, but I find that Peco and Atlas work together very well. I use WS foam roadbed, which is probably more forgiving than cork.
Oh, and WELCOME BACK! It took me 40 years to get here again. You beat me by a factor of two. Good move.
esp1,
You shouldn’t have any trouble with sectional track. My BRVRR still has a few pieces that haven’t been replaced with flex-track. Code 83 is less forgiving than Code 100 track and requires real care during installation. Peco, Atlas, Shianora?, and Walthers, among several others manufacture sectional track. Nigel’s link should prove useful.
Welcome aboard! As you already know, this is a great place to find the answer to almost any MRRing question.
All my track is Atlas Code 83 section and I have had no problems with it. I find that the sectional track is easier than the flex-track to initially lay straight.
The Atlas Snap Switch is a confusing little darling.
Starting from the single track end, there is 1.5 inches of straight track before the turnout begins. This 1.5 inches of straight causes the Snap Switch NOT to directly fit in the middle of an 18" radius curve.
Beyond the 1.5" of straight is a 20 degree piece of 18" radius, and 7.5 inches more of straight. So the total length of the straight side of the Atlas Switch is a direct drop in for a 9" straight. When you add the filler 10 degree 18" radius curve included to the curve section, you arrive at a a full piece of 18" radius curve - with that 1.5 inches of straight in front of it.
To further confuse the issue, the Atlas Custom-Line #4 also has a 1.5 inch straight at the single track end, and is 9 inches long over the straight section. The difference is that the Custom-Line #4 does not have a consistent curve through the curved section. It has a section of curved track approximately 22" radius, followed by a straight frog.
Atlas turnouts (both Custom-Line and Snap Switches) can be easily shortened with rail nippers to fit a particular situation. Both the 1.5 inch straight before the points, and the straight section after the frog can be shortened if needed without affecting performance. You have to leave enough straight in front of the points to attach the rail joiners - but that’s all.