code 70 track?

[DeadheadGreg]

sorry to bring up an old post, but i need to knwo whether anyone here knows whether or not Model Power engines can run on code 70 track.  thanks

[Anonymous]

I just registered into the Forums and am searching through to see what's there, and it looks to me that you're just beginning with building a model railroad. If you don't mind some unsolicted advice, take the time to carefully plan your layout, or else you will build something that cause you more frustration than enjoyment. I was very lucky to have friends in high places in this hobby to help with my track plan, and even though it is only now in the benchwork and track-laying stage (planning was 2+ years, building is now 3+ years) it is very rewarding when I finish an occasional work session and can see progress. Take some time to talk to the guys at the local hobby shop and ask for opinions on your plans. Everyone will have one; it won't cost you anything, and you can either take their advice or not, but at least you'll find our real quick if you have any problem areas with your layout design. And design it to fit the space. You will not be able to fit every industry in the world into your layout, so don't try.

[DSchmitt]

Prototype track is designated by weight -pounds per foot-. Heavier rail is taller.

In HO scale Code 100 is close to but probably a little taller than the heavist rail used.

If prototype appearance is important to you, Code 83 is probably the best choice for HO as it falls within the common range for rail size, although if the track is properly weathered the size of Code 100 is not obvious. Code 83 should handle any equipment available today.

Code 70 also falls within the common range of size used, but may require replacing the wheels on some equipment due to wheel flange size.

The prototype uses different weights of rail, depending on when the track was built or last rebuilt, the weight and speed of train, cost, whats available, and the location, so mixing rail Codes on one layout is prototypical. Code 55 would be suitable for a very light line if your equipment will run on it.

[Anonymous]

In HO scale the size rail you want will depend on what era you are modeling. If you are in the post WWII era through current time stick with code 83. Its pretty close to prototype and has the advantage of having a wide range of ready to run supplies available, and as was noted, virtually all recent production will operate well on it. Code 100 rail is really outsized except in the heaviest use current mainlines.

Randy

[Anonymous]

Take a look at this info:

http://www.trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/000/347ybfns.asp

from Model Railroader, right here at trains.com [;)]

Generally, the older your era, the lighter the rail. I would also respectfully diagree with Nigel... You could go for Code 83 for the first layout, as the Atlas has a full line of turnouts and flex track in Code 83 that is as easy to work with as the Code 100. THe only warning - if you have old models with wheels that look like pizza cutters - stick to Code 100. If you are going with new/recent equipment, everything should work fine.

Andrew


Andrew

[nfmisso]

TD;

MR track is designated by a code number. That number is the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch. Code 100 is .100" tall, code 70 is .070" tall. In HO; codes 100, 83, 75, and 70 are common, with some using code 55 and 40.

For your first layout in HO stick with code 100. In N scale; I believe that code 80 or 70, is the traditional train set size, and code 55 is closer to scale (like code 83 in HO)

The thicker rails are stronger, making them harder to kink.

[Anonymous]

what is this and what is the difference from 100? thanks