Code 55 track - Wheel flange contact with track ties.

[Anonymous]

I recently purchased several pieces of Code 55 track for a new N-Scale layout that I am building. Upon testing the fit of some Life-Like trains on the new track, I noticed a big problem. While the trains move along the track, the large OD of the wheels make contact with the ties of the track. This creates a very rough ride for the train.This problem only occurs with the Code 55 track (Atlas #2010) and NOT with the Code 80 track (Atlas #2510). With the Code 80 track, the trains have a very smooth ride because the wheels do not make contact with the ties of the track.

I used the following trains for my test:
Locomotive, Union Pacific 1400, N-Scale (Life-Like #7752)
Hopper Car, 100 ton, PRR, N-Scale (Life-Like #7366).

I went to a lot of trouble recently to purchase the Code 55 track instead of the more popular Code 80 track. I wanted to use the Code 55 track because it is closer to N-scale and therefore more realistic than the Code 80 track.

Is there a solution or, am I going to be stuck using the (out-of-proportion) Code 80 track?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tim Barber

[ericboone]

I am not an N-scaler, but do replacement wheelsets exist for N scale locomotives? I know NWSL makes a nice assortment in HO scale.

[SteelMonsters]

My suggestion is to use an NMRA standards gage to check the wheels and track for clearances. If either are out of specs, you can fix them or replace them. They are avalible at hobby shops and through online stores too.

[DSchmitt]

Atlas code 55 is good quality track made to NMRA standards. As you noticed there is a problem with the deep wheel flanges on older N scale equipment (as well as some cheap stuff). Most good quality equipment made recently will work OK.

Possible Solutions:

1: For cars the fix is fairly easy - Replace the wheels tn the trucks, or replace the trucks with MicroTrains trucks that have wheels with shallower flanges . Wheels with smaller flanges are available for cars . (If you equipment has Rapido couplers they should be replaced with MicroTrains couplers anyway and this is usually easy to do by replacing the whole truck)

For locos - replace the wheels if possible (difficult and probably no replacement wheels available), Grind the flanges to reduce their size (difficult)., or don't use locos with deep flanges.

2: Use Micro Engineering Code 55 instead of Atlas code 55. It will accept deeper flanges than the Atlas track will although really old stuff will still have problems.

3: Use Peco code 55. It is a cleverly designed code 80 track that looks smaller. Anything that runs on code 80 will run on it.