Code 100 vs Code 83

[bgilbert43]

Greetings,

I currently have a 4x8 layout made of Code 100 sectional track. This current layout is coming down in favor of an around the walls layout.

Are there any issues regarding a switch to Code 83 of which I should be concerned? Do I have to change wheelsets, for instance. Or any other matters relating to such a change.

Thank you for your input.

[UNIONPACIFIC4018]

If you have some old equipment without RP25 wheels and you got the big old flanges they will bump down the ties.

[bgilbert43]

All of my equipment has been purchased since 2001. I don't know if that means anything or not...

[stokesda]

If it's that recent, it's probably OK. Still, if you're very concerned, you might want to pick up a single piece of flextrack (or a pack of Atlas sectional track) and try it out first.

[rrinker]

As long as it's stuff like Atlas, Bachmann, Life-Like, Kato, Stewart, Athearn - you won't have any problems. It's the AHM/IHC/Rivarossi and other equipment made with European NEM flanges that have problems on Code 83. And even then - if the problem item is a passenger or freight car, it's easy to replace the wheelsets. If it's a loco with oversize flanges, there's not much you can do. I've heard of people turning down loco drivers by powering the unit and holding a file to the wheel, but I'm at the point where if it has that problem and can't be easily fixed, it gets sold.

--Randy

[bgilbert43]

Well, thank you very much fellas. It seems like I'll be okay with a little testing. I am going the full nine yards this time...dcc, flex track, micro engineering turnouts, etc.

Thanks again for your time. I'll keep y'all posted on the new layout (and probably being asking for more advice soon).