Okay, I’m new, but why the different track codes in HO ?? Where would one code be used over another and do people mix them?? Does everyone have a preference and why? I’m assuming 83 as it is close to scale.
Code 83 is the closest to prototype widely availible. I think it is 132lb. rail? The track code is the height of the rail. Code 100 is 0.100 of an inch. Code 83 is 0.083 of an inch. Code 83 is generally more detailed( Atlas’s brand anyway). Also, for sidings and branch lines, in HO scale I have seen as low as code 55 rail. this is because a railroad won’t pay to put really heavy rail in a place that doesn’t see a lot of usage.
Morgan