Hi Guys,
I’m working the trackplan for a new N scale layout, apx. 8’W x 14-15’L, so this will be a MAJOR project.
I’d like to get thoughts, comments, opinions, Etc from as many of you as I can on what track to use and why. I’ve got a pretty good stock of Atlas code 80 (a full box of flextrack, 30 or so turnouts, a few hundred pieces of sectional track). So, financially, staying with Atlas code makes the most sense. Also, I’ve never had any problems with it (it’s also the only track I’ve ever used).
But, I’m giving some thought to Atlas code 55, just because the ties are already brown and the rail is closer to scale.
Of course, I’ve heard that Peco & Shinohara are also good, if a bit pricey.
So, which is the best track to use?
Bill
I’ve worked with both Peco and Atlas code 80 flextracks and they pretty much compare and go together easy.However,Peco turnouts stand out in my mind as I feel they’re much better engineered.But that’s only my opinion…
I’m planning a layout too but will be going code 55 and the game is slightly different there.Atlas code 55 tracks look fantastic but since it is true C55,big flange wheels (older locos and rolling stock) may strike the ties.Peco’s C55 is in fact C80 cleverly sunk deeper in the ties so that it somewhat looks slimmer but allows most if not all rolling stocks to be used.Peco’s downside however is tie spacing as it is based on european prototype while Atlas’s is american,but I don’t really care about this so I will be using Peco C55 throghout.
Bill
I selected code 80 as it is a little more forgiving than code55. Atlas track, flex, is less expensive than Peco and has nail holes already drilled. I have used glue but find nails better as the nails allow easy repositioning in the early stages when it just does not quite fit. Plus the nails allow refitting when the track expands/contracts with temperature. Until I go through those processes I will not lay down ballast.
Peco turnouts are much better in looks and engineering IMHO. If you use Tortoise motors to power the Peco turnouts remember to remove the springs.
Tom
Atlas code 80 is nearly bulletproof, pretty much like Kato Uni-track. It’s easier to use any flex track with Atlas track products, as no modifications or adapters are needed. Kato track must be modified or adapted to be used with most flex track. If you use all Kato, the choice of curve radius is fixed to what they offer. Kato turnouts are nearly bulletproof and don’t have a switch machine visibly hanging on the side of the turnout. If you are concerned about the color of the ties and rails, you are probably not going to want to use the regular Atlas turnouts with side-mounted switch machines.
Peco turnouts are rugged and reliable and somewhat expensive. You don’t actually HAVE to remove the springs when used with Tortoises, but it ruins the slow-motion effect. The Tortoise will operate a Peco, but it will act just like an Atlas snap switch.
You have plans for a big layout and you have a lot invested in Atlas. If it’s in good condition, I think I would use it (but keep in mind, I’m a “good enough” modeler, not a rivet-counter!). Peco turnouts will work well with all of your Atlas products, so you may want to consider upgrading to Peco, although 30 turnouts (with switch machines and extra contacts) is going to get expen$$$ive!
I haven’t used Shinohara personally, but their reputation is unquestionable. Same goes for ME.
If you feel adventurous, pick up some code 55 track and install it as a siding. Test your equipment on it and see how it performs. If you have trouble there, you will have trouble everywhere. The siding will tell you in a hurry if you will need to convert ALL your engines and rolling stock to low-profile wheels (talk about EXPEN$$$$$IVE!!).
The above are my personal opinions developed over nearly 50 years of modeling, most of it in N Scale. I use Atlas products freely mixed with Peco turnouts and I am very happy with the mix. Any problems I have had were of my own doing (like putting a turnout immediately off of a curve
I have used Peco flexi tracks and turnouts for many years and on two of my previous layouts. They are easy to use and the turnouts are problem free. If you are looking for a good alternative, I would suggest you take a look at MicroEngineering products.
Cheers,
Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html
Great write up!I hav’nt been in N-scale in over 30 years,It has come a long way!Do to a space problem I’am going to have to put my HO in storage for a while.So I’ve been thinking of trying N again.Is kato track ok?Kato switches sound great!I’ve seen the Kato track looks ok for a temp layout!What is the widest turn radi I can get?My lay out will be around 10’ to 12’ long,but need to know how wide to make it?I’ll will probley use DCC and steam(more room to work with in the locos).
Any help would be nice?and what are the best engines to use?Atlas,Kato , LifeLike?
JIM
I use code 80 for reliability… Atlas flex with Peco turnouts have been a winning combination for me, but then, that’s all I’ve tried. I’d be afraid with the Atlas code 55 that one stray piece of ballast stuck to the inside of the rail might be enough to derail a train. Certainly it would take EXTREME care to ballast the code 55 and not have any flangeway obstructions. With a good paint job and ballast, the code 80 stuff looks like this:
Well, since nobody’s done it yet, I’ll throw in my [2c] about Micro Engineering. The stuff looks awesome! But it has a pretty awesome price tag as well. The up shot, besides the looks, is that it comes in code 70 (looks like heavy class 1 RR rail without looking oversized) & code 55, and I’ve heard rumor of code 40, but I haven’t seen any. They offer regular flex track, weathered flex track and bridge track in code 70 & code 55 that has the longer ties spaced closer together like they should be. The down side,…you can have any turnout you want, as long as it’s a #6, and you don’t need it to be DCC friendly. They can be modified to be DCC friendly, but you can’t bring em home and slap em on the layout as is and run DCC.
My last layout was focused on a shortline RR with a class 1 connection. I used Micro Engineering code 70 for the class 1 RR and Atlas code 55 for the shortline. All bridges were on the shortline and were done with Micro Engineering code 55 bridge flex track. The whole thing looked great. The code 70 really made the class 1 rails look right next to the code 55 of the shortline.
As far as the hitting the ties issue goes with the Atlas code 55 track, as long as you’r equipment adheres to RP25 standards (small flanges on loco’s and low profile wheelsets on rolling stock) you’ll be fine. The biggest issue you’ll have is with older loco’s with the old “pizza cutter” wheels.
I’ll second the Micro Engineering flex track vote.
I also have a ton of Atlas code 55 installed. I’ve had very little trouble with it, although low profile wheels are a must. I did have to change the wheels on some Life Like FA/FB2s (the FA/FB1s will have the same problem) due to them rattling on the tie plates.
One other consideration, especially when comparing price is length. Atlas flex track, at least in code 55, is 29-30" long. Micro Engineering is 36", and I believe Peco is about that, too. So while ME and Peco are definitely more expensive, the price alone lies a little bit.
As far as turnouts, I’ve used Peco and Atlas (all code 55 again). Atlas is rumored to be planning the release of #10 turnouts in code 55, which should raise a few eyebrows. Peco are definitely more heavy duty. The downside is they are using the UK tie spacing and design. They came out with a new line of HO products that are based on the US prototype, so maybe they will do the same in N.
Mark,
Good points you made!
One other thing, Micro Engineering flex track is not as flexible as Atlas flex track (code 80 or code 55). It holds the shape that it’s put into. This can make it harder to get a smooth curve. Also, if it gets a bend that you don’t want in it, it’s tougher to straighten it out. I find that if you stand it on a tabletop on it’s side you can use a hard cover book on top to bring things back in line.
Take a look at Tilligs track.
Preweatherd and looks really great.
It also seems to be less sensitive to dirt, the trains run better for longer times without needing as much cleaning.
The turnouts have to have some kind of motor or other device to hold them in place tho because they are constructed as real fullscale turnouts, the swiching is done by actually bending the tracks.
Exuse me for my poor english, I live in sweden.
Never heard of it. Is there someplace on line that we can check it out?
www.tillig.com
But i see now i made a bit of a mistake…
Tillig only makes tracks for H0, H0m and H0e
I was very sure i had seen N scale track from them too, but i guess one cant be right everytime… [;)]
Anyway…it is still very goodlooking and functional track, so should you need H0 or narrowgauge H0 take a look at it.
I too am plannig a new N scale layout and have just completed a bit of research on track, among other things. After looking at Atlas, Kato and Peco, I’ve desided to go swith the code 55 Peco. The turnouts are better engineered and the track looks great. I also understand that it is an excellent performer as well.
The Kato track, while nicely engineered doesn’t have teh eye appeal that either Atlas or Peco has.