I purchased some plastic and metal ME rail joiners. The guy at Caboose hobbies said that you want to match the joiners with the track manufacturer (Atlas-Atlas, ME-ME, etc.). Is that true or did I just waste money buying all ME (track and joiners)? I went w/ ME because I read it looks more realistic and can get purchased already weathered!
TIA!
Lee
The different manufacturers use different cross sections of rail. ME uses closer to prototypical cross sections, so the base and web are much thinner. Atlas uses a very heavy cross section so the base and especially the web of the rail is much thicker. ME or Peco rail joiners dont work so well on Altas track. I have had good luck with Atlas N scale rail joiners on HO Atlas code 83 track.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I use almost any joiner for any type of track as long as its tight and looks good. BUT, code 83 joiners for 83 track etc. I DON'T use Atlas joiners because they are too big. I also solder all of my track joints and then cut gaps with a Dremel tool where I need them. By soldering, once they are lined up and soldered, they don't shift and cause problems. Just the way I do things, and it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
I took a scrap piece of Atlas rail and tapered the end a little with a needle file. I will put the rail joiner on that first to "size" it and then it goes on the regular rail easily. Normally I do that only joiners that will go on the ends of switches, because the rest of the track is flex track adn typically I'm trimming it anyway so I relieve the corners of the rail end when I clean it up after cutting it.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Capt. Grimek wrote:How much harder is it to push the N scale joiners onto Atlas Code 83 HO track? Just a bit more of a push oris it a bit of "a bear" using needle nose pliers, etc.?
I spread mine apart a little with a small straight slot screw driver. I can then slide them on with my fingers without much problem.