N scale Code 80 to Code X Transitions

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty much a novice in the final design stages of my 1st serious layout (9 1/2' x 10 1/2'). I've got piles of Atlas code 80 track laying around, so for $ reasons, that's what I'm planning on using. But, I'm running into some problems. There are a few places on the layout where the ideal track to use just isn't made by Atlas, like a double-slip switch. Now, Peco makes the double-slips but only in code 70. So, what's the best (simple, cheap & flawless) way to transition from code track to another? I've heard about using shims in the rail joiners, but somehow making shims 1/100th of an inch thick and then getting them into those tiny N scale rail joiners doesn't sound so easy. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bill

[DSchmitt]

Peco N gauge track in code 80 and code 55 not code 70. (The Peco code 55 is actually cleverly designed code 80 that looks smaller) Either will work with Atlas code 80. You can use either Atlas or Peco rail joiners. No modifications needed. [:)]

The only N gauge code 70 that came up in a search of Walthers web site was BK Enterprises. I am not familar with that brand.

Probably the difference between code 70 and 80 would not cause a problem. If it did a little filing on the rail head of the code 80 to smooth the transition would solve the problem.

[Anonymous]

I got the brands mixed up. Peco's double-slips are code 55, and Shinohara's are code 70. Either way, I still need to connect Atlas code 80 to a different size track. (providing of course, that I can actually afford a few double-slips)

[DSchmitt]

I don't have any Shinohara track now, but did mix some in with Atlas on a layout I had 25 years ago. Had no problem at the transitions.

As I said before Peco code 55 matches code 80. My latest N scale has Peco 80 and Peco 55 switches, Peco 80 and Peco 55 flex track, Atlas 80 sectional track, Atlas 80 flex track and Kato Unitrack (code 80). Except for adgusting the roadbed height where the other brands joined with Kato no extra work was needed.