Okay so I am starting over on a new layout. I have been doing some reading and searches here to get the consensus on which code of track to use. I have also done searches at most of the online train stores to see availability.
This is what I was thinking code 100 Micro engineering flex track with Shinohara turnouts. I know everyone is preaching code 83 but its selection is rather limited. On Walthers site practically everything (Walthers code 83) is sold out. I do not want to use Peco, besides it lists its turnout sizes like drinks at Mcdonalds I want to know numbers not sizes (small medium and large). With the Shniohara code 100 I have found every type of turnout I will require. I have read other posts saying that they cause derailments and so forth. Atlas track looks like the stuff that comes in the old Tyco train sets. I want good strong track with reliability that looks american so which one is the best. Just for more clarification I am modeling UP steam so were talking lots of wheels in a line, centipede tenders and articulated locomotives.
Thanks
If prototypical look is important, then code 100 is a bit heavy. Code 83 is popular because it is more protoypical. The new Peco code 83 is based on US prototype and the turnouts are in numbers not sizes. The new line of code 83 is the only product they sell this way. However, it is new and not all the turnouts are available yet. Availability is an important criteria!
http://www.peco-uk.com/products.htm#83
Scroll down this link a bit and you will see the new code 83
Ok! What is wrong with atlas track and things like #4#6 switchs??and flex
Shinohara & Peco seam to cost the most,and I’am allways hearing about frog problems with there switches!
My moto is keep it simple stuped.
JIM
Problems with #4 turnouts
you ever see a big boy locomotive go through a #4 looks a bit silly kind of like lionel version of the big boy, the boiler swings out to overlap the next track over. I found a place that has all the code 83 I could want with #10’s so that would look really good with a string of heavyweights and a challenger.
If you have the space for large turnouts #10 is great. If you are using large radius curves 30 inches and up then go with the #8 or #10. I don’t plan on running steam and I don’t have room for large radius turns so atlas code 100 and #6 switchs work for me. I can get these at LHS. I would have to order any other brand or code rail.
Wayne
Well I plan on minimum 34" radius turns
I would like to use #10s and #8s but I might have to slip a few #6’s in to get it to work.
Out with the old in with the new
I would say go with code 100. But if you want a prototype look, go with code 83.
I really like atlas code 100 track, it flexes easily and the cost is right. If the little difference is in not acceptable, then pay the extra for the code 83
Randy Johnson
I have used Atlas code 100 flex track on most of my layouts along with Atlas #6 Custom line turnouts and have had no problems. I only have one # 4 on my new layout on a siding to an industry. I think the # 6"s look better if you have the room to use them. I also have a couple of code 100 Peco large curved turnouts on my new layout. Atlas dosen’t make any curved turn outs!
I like the Atlas flex track because I am just use to using it I guess!
DON