I’m just beginning mine…Atlas Code 80 [no wheel flange issues] and #6 turnouts only. Code 55 is more realistically scaled, but for me, this is my secondary layout; I do O scale Lionel also, and my hot button is reliability.
My system will actually be HOe (HO scale, 9mm gauge) - but I have built in HOn3 before.
I’ll use Code 55 stick rail and hand-lay the whole nine yards - which will probably be close to the total length of track. That’s to get the proper `look.’ N scale flex looks like a laid-over picket fence when used by HO scale rolling stock. The prototypes were 762mm gauge (2’6") and the track used longer, heavier ties - and a lot fewer of them.
The joker is that I’ve been handlaying track and, especially, specialwork in a variety of gauges and rail weights for half a century now. This will be my first HOe railway project, but my first model railway experience came seventy-four years ago. I’d like to think that I’ve been learning ever since.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Kato Unitrack would probably be the easiest to use and most bulletproof. It is, however, like any sectional track, somewhat inflexable in geometry.
I started with Atlas code 80 more than 44 years ago. Atlas 80, Peco 80, Peco 55 as well as other brands can all be easily intermixed. The rail on Peco 55 looks smaller but is really code 80. With very little aditional effort Kato Unitrack can be added to the mix.
Because of their smaller rail and generally more realistic size and spacing code 55 track, such as Atlas, looks more like the prototype. Code 55 is a little harder to work with and not as robust as code 80. Older equipment with “pizza cutter” wheels may have trouble running on code 55.
I am surprised how tenacious that myth hangs on. Peco code 55 rail is not code 80 rail. The upper part of resembles a code 55 cross section of a rail, the lower part, which is buried in the ties, is just there to add extra stability.
Take a look for yourself:
When I started in N-scale in 1969, I used Atlas code 80. I had just discovered Peco track in 1983 when I razed the layout and switched to HO. Had I discovered the Peco sooner I may not have been so ready to swtich. So knowing what I know now, If I was going to start an N-scale layout today, I would use the Peco code 55 turnouts and flex track.
Atlas track has worked before, but this time I’m leaning towards Peco Code 55.
You are technically correct , It is not standard code 80 rail, but it is 100% compatable with Peco code 80, can be easily mixed with other brands of code 80, and has no problem with “pizza cutter” wheels.
No special rail joiners or transition rail sections are needed.
Hi,
whithout no doubt Peco Nscale code 55 .
Strong, near the scale look, plenty of turnouts size, curved one, crossover and crossing.
Don’t use sectionnal track for Nscale because of the bad electrical continuity.
It’s also an opportunity to start whith a good looking track and very efficient.
Marc