I have and going to use only code 80 for my n scale layout. I found this turnout on ebay and wanted to know if i could use a code 70 with some mods to fit my code 80 layout.
(Edit: since Byron later explained that Shinohara did indeed make N scale code 70 track): Only if you don’t mind the N scale trains falling down between the rails when it comes to the code 70 section
Code only tells you how tall the rails are - not the gauge (the distance between rails)
Code 55 and 80 are common heights for N scale standard gauge track
Codes 70, 83 and 100 are common heights for H0 scale standard gauge track.
Well, could always be that it actually is N scale standard gauge with an uncommon height - there is no rule that says that code 70 rails has to be used for H0 scale standard gauge tracks - it is just common that 70, 83 and 100 is used for H0 scale and 55 and 80 for N scale.
If you want to know for sure, post a question for the seller and ask him to measure distance from rail to rail - if it is 9 mm (about .36"), it is N scale standard gauge and can be used with other N scale standard gauge tracks - if the rails are shimmed up to the same height where they meet.
H0 scale standard gauge is far wider - 16.5 mm (0.64"). It ought to be fairly easy for the seller to tell whether the rails are about 1/3 of an inch or 2/3rds of an inch apart
Shinohara did indeed make Code 70 N scale track. Though it has been discontinued, there’s probably a lot still floating around. There are still a few remnants on the Walthers site and elsewhere.
To the original poster, that arrangement is pretty inflexible and may not be worth the trouble, even if it is N scale.
But you can always mate Code 70 N with Code 80 or Code 55 N scale track with a little shimming and filing.
