Thanks for the movie, Ulrich, it's a great inspiration for scenery and bridgework.
Ron.
Thanks, Rrebell, Bill, Sir and Tom for your responses. It looks like code 70 rail is the go for me. Off to the hobby shop!
For a railroad in the time period prior to about 1890, code 55 (or even code 40) would probably be closer to scale. However, it's not nearly as forgiving as code 70 in terms of being friendly to many model flanges. Code 70, if weathered to subdue its appearance, can be made to look good. It should work well for you.
Tom
Need inspiration for your layout (including rail sizes and switches)?
This classic movie has a lot of it!
I didn´t know they already had steel cabs at the time of the Civil War...
Ron,
I concur with "Sir". Code 70 rail will appear far closer to what was used in 1885 than Code 100 and its use should thus improve the appearance of a period pike. I have relied on Code 70 for many years and continue to do so.
There are still some old Rivorossi/AHM 4-4-0s (and the 2-4-0 Bowker that they made) out there and many of them came with deep "European" flanges that would be a poor fit for Code 70 and would be especially bumpy over the turnout flanges. The more modern Bachmann locomotives or any of the brass imports of locomotives from that period should run fine. Those models use the RP25 wheel contour - or very similar - that avoids the deep flanges.
I haven't dealt directly with Sierrawest, but they have been producing nice looking kits for a long time.
Bill
Like he said, code 70 is less forgiving but its what I run with 18" curves and 1930's equipment.
Code 70 rail should be fine with your choice of locos, providing that
I finally found a track plan I'm happy with after a few minor changes. No grades, minimum radius 18", minimum turnouts no. 6. That should keep the American 4-4-0's honest.
Is code 70 rail ok for the old girls, or will they be prone to derailments? Time period circa 1885, dirt ballast, your input greatly appreciated.
Also: Is Sierrawest scale models a reputable firm to deal with?