I'm leaning towards Atlas code 83 flex track in ho scale. Also in dcc. My question is, what brands of turnouts line up the best, rail hieghts? Some old posts talk about shimming. I think I like Walthers turnouts the best, if I can find them. I'm trying to get the best info and knowledge and expierence out there. I can't wait to lay some track.
Thank you for your time
Scott
I guess that the obvious answer would be that Atlas code 83 turnouts would line up the best. If you want to mix turnout and track brands for some reason, then you need to determine the overall height difference from the top of the rail to the bottom of the tie between the track and the turnout.
Because code 83 should be the height of the rail (I think 0.083 inch), then any difference between the two items will be the thickness of the tie structure.
To answer your question about shims, I use Atlas code 83 with Walthers code 83 turnouts. The structure (or height) of the Walthers turnouts is lower than the Atlas track. I use Evergreen strip styrene item 8212 to shim the turnouts. Item 8212 is HO scale 2 X 12, which according to the package measures an actual 0.022 inch thick and 0.135 inch wide.
I originally cut these strips into tie length pieces and used solvent cement to glue them to the tie bottoms. I did not put a piece under every tie. Probably every inch or so should be enough to form a solid base. Then I got lazy and decided that it made more sense to just lay the strips lengthwise. I put one strip along the edge of the ties, and one more under the middle of the tie. Different lengths are used to allow for the diverging route. I don't put anything directly under the throwbar.
maxman wrote: I guess that the obvious answer would be that Atlas code 83 turnouts would line up the best. If you want to mix turnout and track brands for some reason, then you need to determine the overall height difference from the top of the rail to the bottom of the tie between the track and the turnout.Because code 83 should be the height of the rail (I think 0.083 inch), then any difference between the two items will be the thickness of the tie structure.To answer your question about shims, I use Atlas code 83 with Walthers code 83 turnouts. The structure (or height) of the Walthers turnouts is lower than the Atlas track. I use Evergreen strip styrene item 8212 to shim the turnouts. Item 8212 is HO scale 2 X 12, which according to the package measures an actual 0.022 inch thick and 0.135 inch wide.I originally cut these strips into tie length pieces and used solvent cement to glue them to the tie bottoms. I did not put a piece under every tie. Probably every inch or so should be enough to form a solid base. Then I got lazy and decided that it made more sense to just lay the strips lengthwise. I put one strip along the edge of the ties, and one more under the middle of the tie. Different lengths are used to allow for the diverging route. I don't put anything directly under the throwbar.
DITTO!!!!
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.