Using Atlas Code 55 track with ME Code 55 track (N-Scale)

[Anonymous]

New to N-scale (reformed HO-er), and I've decided I am going to use Code 55 track for my new layout. I'm planning on using the Atlas line of track for the majority of items, but would like to use the Micro Engineering turnouts and bridge track for more variety. How much of a problem will this cause me? Will it be as simple as shims under the ties (hopefully the ME track will require shims, not the other way around [:)] ), or are there other things to be concerned about?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Dave

[mls1621]

Dave, I've mixed Micro Engineering code 70 flex track with Atlas code 80. No shimming was required, just so filing of the taller track at the joint. I used Micro Engineering track and turnouts on the visible part of my layout and the Atlas track in the hidden staging.

Unless there is a difference in the thickness of the ties, there should be no need for shimming as the rails are the same height.

I hope this is helpful.

[DSchmitt]

I haven't used either brand, but the difference (if any) in overall height will be very slight. You can probably just let the shallower track "float" at the joint with no problem and let the ballast hold it in place.

[Anonymous]

I have even mixed ME code 55 with Atlas code 80. It's not that big a deal. I did have to shim up the approach of the code 55, but then, with some small needlenose pliers and an Xacto knife, I spead open some code 55 rail joiners on one end so they would slip onto the code 80 track. Once you get them mated together and get the railheads level, just solder the joint, so you won't ever have to worry about it again.

If 80 and 55 can be mated with just a bit of shimming, I'm sure the two code 55s will work easily. I have some of both the Atlas and ME 55 and did, in fact, slide the two together without doing a thing to them, when I was experimenting and deciding which one to go with for my current layout-under-construction.

One thing you should be aware of, there are still quite a few N-Scale products whose wheel flanges will bump on the ties of the Atlas code 55. This is a real shame, as the Atlas stuff looks pretty good, is inexpensive, and is commonly available (as opposed to the ME, which is expensive, and sometimes hard to find). Also, the selection of turnouts, crossing, and other pieces is much better with Atlas. But in the end, I went with ME, because it does look better, and everything I own will always run on it. (yes, you can replace wheelsets, that's not a big deal, but it IS a big deal when your locomotive collection is mostly made up of steam locomotives that have been hand picked, scratchbuilt, and are one-of-a-kind... I can't turn the flanges down on those puppies, so it's ME for me).

[Anonymous]

magliaro typed:

QUOTE: ...If 80 and 55 can be mated with just a bit of shimming, I'm sure the two code 55s will work easily. I have some of both the Atlas and ME 55 and did, in fact, slide the two together without doing a thing to them, when I was experimenting and deciding which one to go with for my current layout-under-construction.
One thing you should be aware of, there are still quite a few N-Scale products whose wheel flanges will bump on the ties of the Atlas code 55...

Thanks! I had figured there wouldn't be too much of a problem mixing the two, but as my previous experience is entirely in HO, I decided to ask those in the know. My current N-scale collection consists of five diesel locomotives (four Atlas, one Kato), and perhaps 20 freight cars from multiple manufacturers. I'm planning to swap out trucks, use low profile wheels, and body mount the couplers on the rolling stock, so the flange size issue shouldn't bite me. Since I don't have too large a collection for now, it shouldn't be too big a job.
My prior experience with HO ME flextrack (code 83 and 70) was not the greatest, so I much prefered using Atlas and Shinohara/Walthers track products. While not sure if the same holds true in N, I am currently leaning toward Atlas for most of the trackwork, but would like to use the bridge track and additional turnout sizes from ME.
I think my best bet is to pick up a section of each brand's flextrack and see for myself. Unfortunately, my LHS is not big into stocking N scale, only carrying Atlas code 80, so getting one section of each won't be easy... Oh well.

Thanks again to all who replied.
Dave