code 100 turnouts

[m sharp]

I just bought a box of code 100 for my staging yard, but should I use Atlas Custom Line turnouts, or something else?

 Mike

[Johnnny_reb]

Mike "Code 100" is just a rail gauge. Or do you mean code 100 sectional track or code 100 flex track? What scale is it O, HO, N?

[loathar]

Atlas code 100 is pretty bullet proof but not very realistic looking. If your staging yard is hidden, then Customline code 100's would work fine. Many people use code 83 (or shorter) for their main and branch lines that are visible.

Code 100 represents a pretty heavy duty (155lb.?) rail like the Pennsy used on their main lines. It works good with older locos that had oversized wheel flanges.

[IRONROOSTER]

Here's a table of rail sizes for prototype to scale. 

http://www.urbaneagle.com/data/RRrailsizes.html

As the table shows, HO code 100 exceeds the PRR 155# rail - the largest used.

Enjoy

Paul 

[MisterBeasley]

It depends on what you're running.  If you are a short-engine, short-cars kind of guy (Transition Era, typically) and all of your trains can handle tight curves, then I would use the cheapest turnouts available for your staging, assuming it's hidden.  Atlas snap-switches may not look prototypical, because of the tight turning radius, but they generally work pretty well, and those tight turns will save you space in your staging yard ladders.

On the other hand, if you're running either modern era or Big Steam, or if you've fallen in love with passenger service, then snap-switches may just be too tight for your trains.

Code 100 is generally going to be cheaper than Code 83 or others.  For staging, once again, go with lower cost and save your money for visible items.

[RRTrainman]

I just bought a box of code 100 for my staging yard, but should I use Atlas Custom Line turnouts, or something else?

 Mike

Well if it was my choice I would use Peces code 83 turnouts but Atlas custom line would work if you are using code 100 rail.  Just get code 100 turnouts. 

[tomikawaTT]

Since I have 2 staging yards laid with Code 100 rail, I'd say stick with Code 100 specialwork.  That said, I am NOT a big fan of the Atlas plastic-frog product, even for invisible trackage.  Some of my motive power units have VERY short pickup wheelbases and the coasting characteristics of cement blocks, so power interruption is NOT acceptable.

My own solution (admittedly not suitable for everybody) is to hand-lay turnouts.  You can't beat the price, you aren't chained to the manufacturer's turnout geometry (my main disagreement with using jigs) and you can use long rails and avoid unnecessary rail joints.

OTOH, since you are building staging, have you thought outside the box?  If your layout design permits you could use a sector plate or a monster transfer table and avoid turnouts altogether.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[m sharp]

Thanks everyone.  My staging will be  hidden during operation, but a removable panel will make the yard visible between sessions so I can make and break trains.  Oh, by the way it is HO scale of course. 

I am concerned that Atlas Custom Line turnouts may not be as reliable as another line or brand.  At least the turnout points look better than the old Custom Line's that I bought back in the '70s.  I think I'll give these a try.  Unfortunately, I may not be able to have results until winter, when I'll finally be able to purchase by DCC system.

Thanks for your input, once again.

Mike

[m sharp]

I forgot to mention.  Chuck, thanks for the tip on using a sector plate or transfer table.  I'm actually using something like that to bring the trains from the top (operating) level down to the lower level...a hinged ramp, if you will.   But, there is no room to do the what you suggested once the train reaches the lower level.

Mike

[loathar]

I'm using the Customline code 83 turnouts. The weak spot is where the throw bar connects to the point rails. I believe the code 100 throw is a bit more heavy duty. I know Atlas said they are not interchangeable.

[WSOR 3801]

Peco also makes code 100 switches and specialwork.  Most are power-routing, so they require a little more wiring and gaps than Atlas do.  They also cost more.  However, they are built better than Atlas, and have an over-center spring, to keep the points aligned for the desired route.  Atlas switches need a machine, or a ground throw added. Peco makes a machine that snaps on to the bottom of the switch, needs a hole cut into the subroadbed to make it fit.

The geometry on the Peco code 100 is a bit different, based on European practise.  The diverging rails are curved. 

Many people like using Peco mediums in staging: doesn't take up much room, and most equipment goes through just fine. 

Atlas switches do last for quite some time, and replacements if needed are not terribly spendy, and easily obtained.  By the time they need to be replaced, there will probably be a newer version available.

[twhite]

I use Peco and Sihohara code 100 turnouts on my mainline trackage and Sinohara code 83 for my yards and have had very good luck with them.  They take a little more wiring than the Atlas, but the points are pretty flawless as is, and take very little, if any adjusting to work right. 

Only problem is that the Sinohara are a little pricey, and not always that available. 

Tom