Any ideas on where to buy code 55 flex track in HO? I emailed Micro Engineering and they responded that it is no longer available. I would think that with what appears to me to be increased interest in Proto 87 and other fine scale modelling there would be a demand for this product. I have a supply of code 55 rail, but I’m not eager to hand lay track. Of course, if flex track isn’t available, look for my next post, “Does Anyone Know Where to Get HO Ties for Handlaying Track?” Thanks in advance.
You could try using code 55 rail with Central Valley tie strips. The CV ties were not designed to use rail smaller than code 70, so you do have to be somewhat more careful, but there are quite a few people successfully using them with code 55. You can get the ties from CV directly, and both ties and rail from Proto 87 Stores http://www.proto87.com/ .
I use central valley ties and code 55 rail and it’s not much more involved than flex. I think it’s easier actually. Keep in mind that you’ll have to use CV switch kits with frogs and points from the Proto 87 stores for the turnouts.
In defense of Micro-Engineering, a prototype fact.
Code 55 represents #60 rail in HO. In the early 1950s I found some #60 rail, at the stub end of a long siding serving a lumber yard. There was a sign right next to the first transition joiner:
NO LOCOMOTIVES BEYOND THIS POINT.
Given that, I question the utility of Code 55 rail unless you are modeling pre-WWI, or a scale smaller than HO.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - 1:80 scale, Code 70 and larger rail)
Hand laying isn’t difficult; all you need are ties (from any hobby shop or source, like Walthers or Fast Tracks, Micro Engineering offers weathered ones, other companies like Kaplan sell them as well), small spikes (ME), an NMRA gauge, pliers, and maybe one of the 3 point rail gauges (also ME).
And time - but not as much as you’d think! I know plenty of flex track layouts that never seem to get built.
Thanks Guys for your replies. In a recent RMC cover story, code 55 rail was used for an industry siting and associated turnout. You raise a good point Tom TT, about how realistic this may really be. I don’t have access to the abandoned prototype sidings I’m trying to model, so my wanting code 55 may not be prototypical. OTOH, the OCD part of my likes the progression from code 83 mainline to code 70 switch lladder, to code 55 sidings.
Now for reminding me about the Proto 87 website. If I don’t reply to any additional posts here it will be because I could spend some serious time virtually drooling over some of the offerings there.
Thanks again. The helpfullyness and civility of this site is admired and appreciated.
I’m sure there is lots of ME code 55 flex still out there. In hobby shops and available on Ebay. Just because Walthers and ME don’t have it any more, doesn’t mean that it is gone…A little snooping around should turn some up.
As for prototypical - depending on era it would be very common to use light rail on industrial sidings, etc. I like to use it on sidings and my yard has a track code progression much as you describe…Looks very cool.
Guy
Code 55 flex track still listed on ME’s web site. Part #10-108 or 12-108 for weathered. Central Valley says “Some code 55” rail can be used with their 9’ (#2001) main line and #2002 branchline ties. They don’t mention code 55 with the 8’ 6" (#2003) main line ties.
Dick
Regardless of what the site continues to list, the HO code 55 flex is discontinued because of damage to the molds. As the OP indicated, ME told him the product wasn’t available from them anymore. Last I heard they still will sell you code 55 rail.
HOn3 uses a lot of code 55. 55 lb rail was common on most NG roads into the 1960’s, though in the modern tourist narrow gauge most is changed over to at least 70lb. 55 lb rail on the narrow gauge was considered heavy rail where the original was as light as 25 and 30lb but most was upgrade by WWI to 40lb or better. During WWII most was changed to 55lb and some short runs to 70lb to accomodate heavier wartime traffic and allow for higher safe speeds.
For HO, at least, it looks like you’ll be hand laying your track. I don’t envy your spiking efforts on such small rail, but I’ll bet it will look great and that may make the effort really worthwhile. Good luck.
Richard
I think code 55 rail looks great for beat-up old industrial track! Lotsa spurs built in the 19-'teens still out there showing their age. Diesels gave new life to deferred maintenance. For a small switcher, hand laid code 55 looks great in HO scale and is hard to beat. Who needs a spur with mainline track?
In talking with Debbie at Micro Engineering today, she told me that ME plans to reintroduce the HO scale code 55 line in June.
I know this is resurrecting an old thread, but since it comes up first in a Google search it seemed warranted.