Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Code 55 vs. Code 80

1088 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Code 55 vs. Code 80
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 21, 2005 7:44 PM
I'm getting ready to start my first "real" layout--my first project was a small 16" by 3' diorama to help me get a feel for the various aspects of model railroading before I dove into a larger project. I used code 55 (N-scale) for the diorama, but I am considering using code 80 track for a larger layout, due to the wider variety of track pieces/ accessories to choose from, and also I have had some troubles with power loss as my locos went thru code 55 turnouts. Any pros or cons on the 2 types of track from those who have used both types? I used Atlas code 55 track and turnouts on my diorama.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Monday, February 21, 2005 8:55 PM
code 80 is way oversize for N scale, about right for HO.

You need an electrical bus, and feeders to the rails every 3 ft or so.

code 55 is a bit more fragile.
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 7:33 AM
I love the look of Code 55, but I am at a loss, how should I wire the switches? insulate them completely and give them there own feeders, I am using the Digitrax Zephyr
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 7:39 PM
I am about to build a new layout and I am going to use the new Atlas code 55

I will only buy the switches and the flex track- Why buy individual peices if I can cut them out of flex track?

I have not used the code 55 yet but I am impressed with it's looks and the fact that the switches use an all metal frog. I would think that that would help with any power loss problems.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!