Mixing track brands

[Anonymous]

Hi All!

I was wondering about fellow modelers results with mixing brands of track, say Peco Code 100 turnouts and Atlas NS flex track. Other than tie color and sizes, how well do these go together? I don't know if the rail profiles match. Would one have to modify rail joiners?

The reason I ask is that savings netted on hidden areas/staging track and such, using Atlas or another lesser priced product will likely cover the cost of a few pieces of rolling stock, or necessary nic-nacs in the end. However, if it would be a pain to maintain good track continuity and smooth operation, then, no doubt, it would money well spent to maintain the same brand of track throughout.

You know, when I was involved in MRR in my younger days, it was a matter of putting together anything I could find. No real plan, no consideration for operation, scenery, or realism, just get the track down and go!

My decision to return to the hobby at this time, however, has led me to slow way the heck down. I want different things now, and have resolved that in the end, I'd like to have something that will endure. A piece of art. A painting, a sculpture... There are just so many ways to go with this hobby, that sometimes, just becoming grounded enough to make an initial decision as to what direction you want to go is tough!

After 3 1/2 months of reading, thinking, making drawings, toying with them, etc., still, no viable plan, no final direction decision. HA! I love this!

Let me know your input on the mixing of brands question, as all the info I pick up in this forum I find extremely valuable! (with the exception of the UP Bashing... HA!)

Rey

[mls1621]

Rey,

I model in N scale, but have done exactly what you're thinking of doing.

All the visable track on my layout is Micro Engineering preweathered code 70 Flex Track and turnouts.

The hidden staging and hidden main line track is all Atlas code 80 Flex Track and turnouts with surface mounted actuators.

The only thing I had to do was minor filing to match the rail height at the transition. They work fine together.

My neighbors layout uses Atlas Flex Track and Peco insulfrog turnouts with no problems at all.

Good luck with your layout, I hope this is helpful.

[michaelstevens]

Rey,

Code 100 is supposed to mean that any brand (of rail) is made to an identical cross section -- and in my experience, Model Power, Atlas, Peco, Shinohara (Walthers) are all identical.

The consensus (of members) in a related topic, was that Modelpower is your best (and economical) choice for code 100 HO flextrack.

Happy tracklaying -- Mike In Philly.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sav336

I was wondering about fellow modelers results with mixing brands of track, say Peco Code 100 turnouts and Atlas NS flex track. Other than tie color and sizes, how well do these go together? I don't know if the rail profiles match. Would one have to modify rail joiners?

Hi Rey;

Visit http://www.comrail.org a club in Oklahoma CIty. All of the track is Atlas code 100 flex, all but one of the turnouts are code 100 Peco, the loner is a Shinohara code 100.

They work fine together, no issues nor any modifications required at all.

You may also want to look at Model Power code 100 nickel silver flex, it is much cheaper than Atlas. It is a bit stiffer, and harder to curve.

[orsonroy]

So long as the tops of your rail heads are at the same level, you'll have absolutely no problems mixing and matching different track manufacturers or rail sizes. My "default" track is Peco code 75, and I'm only using Peco 75 switches. As for track, anything goes. Virtually all my mainline is Peco 75 flextrack, but all my staging yards are Atlas code 83 flex, because I had it leftover from my last layout. My bridges use Micro Engineering code 83 bridge track, also because I already had it. Several of my sidings are Micro Engineering code 70 or 55, mostly for looks. I haven't figured out what I'll use for my terminal yard yet, but it very well might be Peco 75 switches and Atlas 83 flex.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reassuring answers!

I would now assume that rail joiners would not be an issue either as long as I maintain the same track code.

Soooo... Looks like I can get a few more pieces of rolling stock!!! WOO HOO!

[CP5415]

No problems here mixing track.
I'm using Atlas & Peco code 100 flextrack. Atlas mostly on the mainline & Peco in the yards & spurs. I've cheated for some of the curves & used Atlas 22" radius snap track 3 of the 8 curves on my layout.
For switches I'm mostly using Peco but I have some Shinohara switches my Dad had.

Gordon

[Jetrock]

It looks like Atlas and Peco is a common combination--I use Atlas flextrack and Peco switches, Code 100 for both, and they seem to get along just fine.