Hello i would like to know if walthers shinohara code 83 and peco code 83 are compatible? Thanks Martin
I mix all varieties of track as long as they are HO, they are basically compatible. I’ve already mixed Code 100 Shinohara, Peco and Atlas track in my staging yard. The photo here shows a mix of Shinohara code 100, Peco code 100, Atlas code 100 (see photo).
I intend to transition to code 83 for the rest of the layout and expect I will have a mix there as I already have Atlas code 83 flex stock piled, along with Walthers code 83 turnouts and Atlas turnouts and any new turnouts will probably be micro-engineering.
I don’t think you have to worry unless you are talking about sectional track with a base, and those usually have proprietary connectors. But just plain ordinary turnouts and track should connect with a standard rail joiner and match up just fine. I think it is a safe assumption that is I can mix Peco code 100 and Shinohara code 100, you should be able to mix Peco code 83 and Walthers (made by Shinohara) code 83.
If you ever feel frisky, it isn’t hard to transition from code 83 to another code. I use the Atlas transition rail joiners - or make my own. They simply have a step in them so the difference in rail height can be adjusted for where they join. The step allows the taller rail base to be lower so the surface of the rail matches. You may need to shim a bit underneath if one piece of rail is a bit to high over all. I use business cards to add shimming where necessary.
[URL=http://s30.photobucket.com/user/leafwalker7/media/StagingEast_zpse0e0a46e.jpg.html]
[IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c310/leafwalker7/StagingEas
Rail joiners are the big issue. The Peco rail joiners are too tight when connecting Peco flex track to non-Peco flex track. On the other hand, Atlas rail joiners are too lose when connecting non-Peco flex track to Peco flex track.
Another issue with Walthers flex track is the price. It is obscenely expensive.
Rich
I mix track, and it is the rail joiners that are the concern. I also do not like Atlas rail joiners and don’t use them. I use Micro Engineering joiners. To use them on Atlas track, they have to be opened up some. I made a tool to do that. It is a short piece of Atlas rail glued in a wood dowel. The rail has the end filed down so it starts to fits into the ME joiner. Then I just push the ME joiner on the Atlas rail and it opens up to fit the Atlas track snuggl’y.
The other consideration is the thickness of the ties between different brands of track. You can still use them, but just don’t force the track with the thinner ties down at the joint. Let it float for a foot or so.
You should also try to stay with track that has the same size rail, in most areas. Don’t be changing from code 83 to code 100 back and forth throughout your layout. The railroads did use smaller rail in the yards and industrial sidings, and that is OK to do on your layout if you want to.
For code 83, standard Atlas rail joiners will work fine, but they are visibly bigger than some might prefer. Because of that, when Atlas used to sell code 83 joiners, I bought as many packages as I could before they were sold out in the market and have plenty on hand to use on my current layout.
That being said, you can tweak joiners in various ways to make the work well - either by pinching them with needle nose plyers, and you can cut a slot in the middle if you need one side to be tighter than the other, even bend a step in them like the Atlas transition joiners when there is a difference of height in the rail. There are lots of ways to mix brands and have it work just fine. I wouldn’t worry.
Thanks for all the guide replys.
Meant to say quick [:D]
I honestly like the Peco Code 83 turnouts better than Watlhers… they’re much shorter which makes it easier to fit them in. I had to do a LOT of trimming on my Walthers No. 5s. And of course the Peco turnouts have a toggle spring so you can finger-throw them until you get your actual switch control in place.
Yes I’m leaning towards going all people myself
Dummy with a smartphone meant to say peco
Peco has always made very good quality track from what I’ve seen. In past years I’ve used mostly Atlas code 83 simply because I had a tight budget imposed on me and Peco was always considerably more expensive. Thats especially true now that Peco has come out with their north American code 83 line of turnouts - which are very pricey, but if you can afford them, I’d say go for it! I’'ve still got a good deal of left over track from my previous layout and a daughter in college so the next two years, my budget will be limited, but I may try out a a few Peco code 83 myself.
Cheers, Jim
As to the using c83 track - I just laid about 75 feet of track on a new layout I am helping to build in LI, NY
I am one of those that are not that concerned with how the track and jointers look - If the size of the jointers is distracting the one is spending too much time NOT RUNNING instead of Switching!
If they were Switching - who would have time to look at the track!
And once the track is weathered the jointers dissappear - and if they don’t then you don’t have enough weathering on them! 
BOB H - Clarion, PA