I’m planning a new layout and was wondering which brand of code 83 HO track is best. I was going with Atlas simply because it is what I have used over the years and because I am designing the layout with RTS software. However, I read a post today that someone didn’t like the Atlas turnouts (didn’t say why). Also, my new layout will be DCC which I have never used before and have heard some track has trouble with DCC.
I am using Code 100. I’ve used a lot of Atlas turnouts. So far, so good as far as operations with them go, after almost a year for the earliest ones I put down. I also use mostly Atlas flex-track.
I do NOT like the appearance of the Atlas switch motors. That has been perhaps my biggest mistake. Once I started getting down some scenery, I realized how out of place and non-prototypical they look. Atlas does make under-track machines, but they would be very difficult to mount on my 2-inch foam base because they’ve only got a 1-inch throw pin. Also, you can’t throw those machines manually.
All my recent turnout purchases have been Peco’s. Yes, they cost more, but their switch machines mount firmly to the underside of the turnout (no alignment issues) and seem to run very reliably. Like the Atlas, they are twin-coil machines. Over the last few days there have been a number of threads about using capacitive discharge circuits for throwing twin-coil switch machines. Peco’s really need these.
You can mix-and-match Peco and Atlas products pretty well.
Surf:
I just asked the same question a few days ago. I did a lot of research and decided on Peco code 83. I went to 4 hobby shops last weekend and kind of ‘kicked the tires’ with Atlas, Peco, Walthers and ME. Eventually decided on the Peco due to its look, feel, and supposed durability. Just my opinions though. You could do the same thing and decide on another brand. Research, research and research. Then make a choice, buy the product, and keep your fingers crossed. If your going DCC, check out wiringforscc.com. Has some user advice you might want to consider. GL with your choice.
Mike S.
Thanks guys. It’s funny you mention the Peco track as that is the other brand I was considering - I noticed they have an expansive code 83 line now. I used the twin coil switch machines on my old layout and HATED them. I was hoping to win the lottery and buy tortoise slow-mo machines with the new Hayes circuit board for DCC operation. Going top shelf this time around.
That is the HARE at $29.95 each. The peco 83 was our choice BUT supply killed us we went with Atlas 83 (850ft worth so far)
I heard at a train show that there is some flex out using REAL WOOD ties anybody else hear that? Would love to use that in our photo areas of the layout. No body in the group can hand lay track.
Take Care
George P.
Clay:
You’re right, at $28 a pop, expensive, but I got them online for $17, so I figured, Peco online for $17, or Atlas at the LHS for $16. I figured it was a no-brainer.
Mike S.
That’s right george, Hare (like tortoise and the hare) [:)] Big bucks! Real wood ties would be great but have not heard about it. I only need about 150’ so supply shouldn’t be a problem.
Not splitting hares but I did see a post about a Tortise with a hore attached that on got me!!![:D][:D]
me atlas and peco.
After many years in the hobby I’ve kinda become disillusioned with most track / roadbed products. On my current layout I used some Atlas and Bachmann track with the attached roadbed in a couple of places. If you weather the Atlas roadbed, it looks very good and operates wonderfully. Other areas with the normal flextrack and ‘ribbonrail’ upsom board roadbed seem to have suffered under the laying of scenery - maybe soaked up water from the plastercloth or something - and is warped in several places.
Anyway, I’m moving soon and will be starting a new layout in either HO or possibly N, in either case, I’m about 99% sure I will be using Kato Unitrack for the new layout. Easier to build, from every indication I’ve had is virtually indestructable, and appearance if not perfect is at least very very good.
well myself i was thining atlas flex track adn walthers swithces but since im still waitng for my first order of switches im thinking peco and atlas track. i know we have to watch height
I use Atlas code 100 flextrack and Peco code 100 switches, I was thinking of using code 83 on a branch line but the cost is almost double for both the flex and turnouts. So I think I’m staying with the code 100.
The best price I have found for Peco turnouts is at this site,
http://www.cchobbies.com/track/peco.htm
I try to order as much as I can at one time to save on shipping.
bill
Amen. On my past layout I layed Shinohara on Tru-Scale Pine Roadbed with all Sinohara turnouts. My latest layout I am using Peco Code 83 exclusively on Homabed. I am running Tortoises with DS44 decoders. Everything works okay, but you have to be careful not to pu***he points on the Peco Turnouts to hard against the stock rails otherwise wheels will snag on the point. For me, installing the track is a tedious and difficult aspect of building a layout. I want reliability and operational quality, and next time I will seriously look at the Unitrack. From everything I have read sounds like a great alternative.
I’m using Atlas flex track code 100 and a combination of peco’s and atlas custom-line turnouts in my yard extention they have been My diehard for years. Use of Tortoises makes them easy to hook up too.
I’m planning my next layout and will definately use the Unitrack. From what I’ve been able to research, its pretty much bulletproof and isn’t that what we all want! Kato has come out with a new DCC item for their switches (I can’t remember exactly what it was) and they also make a fine grain ballast for use with the Unitrack. I figure use that with some Woodland Scenics stuff. Track laying is my least favorite aspect so I want it down quick and right and I think it would be tough to mess up the Unitrack.
Good luck,
Mark
Another reason Unitrack looks good to me is that I’m a tinkerer - Yes I like to draw trackplans and always start a new layout with a pretty clear idea of what I want to do, but inevitably over time I realize “hey, I could put another siding in here” or “if I moved this mainline over a few inches, I could fit in another industy” etc. etc. That’s hard to do if you’re using cork roadbed glued to the plywood !! With Kato track I can test things and move things around before committing to adding scenery and such to make the scene ‘permanent’.
I’ve been using atlas code 83 on the visible portions of my layout and it’s a good value for the price. The new atlas #8 switches are decent, better than the code 83 #6’s. I’ve been using a lot of atlas #8’s and they seem to work well and the price is very good, about $9 mail order or $10 LHS. I was going to use Walthers but the availability is joke.
If I were to do it again (and I may on a differnt layout) I think I would go with ME code 70 flex and jig built turnouts.
I used atlas code 100 in the staging area and helix. The track is fine but the frogs on atlas code 100 switches are terible. There is a major drop when a wheel goes over the frog, possibly enough to derail if at higher speed. The atlas code 83 switches are much better in this area. I probably wouldnt have used the code 100 atlas switches again.
I use Atlas code 83 turnouts and track. Peco turnouts are sturdier and better built but the Atlas ones work fine as long as they are supported well underneath and solidly attached to the roadbed. If I had to do it again anytime soon, I’d look hard at the Peco turnouts with Atlas track. I like Walthers turnouts but forget about the current supply problems. Code 83 seems to be a good balance between realistic look and mechanical compatability.
If you check out my other thread on Atlas turnouts and switch machines, I’ve just tried out an Atlas Code 83 Custom-line turnout. Bottom line is I liked it. It seemed to be uniformly in gauge. My engines didn’t stall on the frogs. I used Caboose Industries manual ground throws, which are extra and not needed on the Peco turnouts. Online, it’s about $11 for Atlas/Caboose and about $20 for Peco. I’m thinking Atlas, but I do like the Peco built-in switch machine better.
Jim
I like the PECO track despite the cost but alot of you seem to think the Kato unitrack is the way to go. I’m going to have to take a good look at the unitrack because I also hate laying track. I was hoping Peco solved the point snag problem but an earlier post states this may not be so.