Not sure about your availablity of ME code 83 track. I'd get it if possible! While more expensive than Atlas, I like that ME keeps its shape when curved.
Depends a bit on your experience level too. If this is a first layout, using 'click track' like Kato Unitrack, Bachmann EZ Track, or Atlas True-Track might be the best choice. Each has it's plusses and minuses, but they make getting trains running easier, and allows you to try things out before making the trackplan permanent.
Atlas True-Track allows you to remove the track from the ballast strip, making it easier to weather the ballast and paint the track and ties. However, it's fairly limited to selection, tops out at 24" radius curves for example.
Kato Unitrack has seven sizes of curves, beginning with "conventional" 24" radius curves with three larger and three smaller curves, all 2-3/8" apart. It only has three turnouts (No.6 electric and manual, an electric turnout matching their 21-5/8" curves and manual turnouts matching their 19-1/4" curves) but uses very realistic narrow-width track that can accept 'semi-scale' wheel profiles. In my experience, it's the one with the least electrical problems, although the Atlas track is a close second.
Bachmann has by far the widest selection of curves, turnouts etc. but uses code 100 track (the other two are code 83). Unlike the other two, Bachmann track is designed to be ballasted over once it's permanently in place, the gray strip under the track isn't meant to be ballast.
Hi there. If you plan on using older rolling stock with deep flanges (many European manufacturers offered these in the past) you might want to consider code 100 rail.
Simon
I use Atlas Code 83 and Walthers turnouts now, powered by Tortoise machines. This gives me the look I want and the track is easy to bend and lay down.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
marctje i'm trying to plan my layout but i'm not sure about the rails i'm gone to use. i'm thinking about Peco code 83, piko A, Atlas true track, atlas code 83, Atlas 100, Kato unitrack, Bachmann 100. Which one do you prefer
i'm trying to plan my layout but i'm not sure about the rails i'm gone to use.
i'm thinking about Peco code 83, piko A, Atlas true track, atlas code 83, Atlas 100, Kato unitrack, Bachmann 100. Which one do you prefer
Marc, what is your choice for 'fidelity' to the prototype? Or, what are your criteria for selection of track? Price, looks, ease of use, durability......????
We can't answer your question except to tell you what we chose and why. If our decision matrix isn't much like yours, we'll all waste our time. N'est-ce pas?
I have never priced EU rail stock, but you can shop around for deals on the widely available N. American rails. It may be cost-effective to have it shipped to you from across the Atlantic. But, maybe not. Maybe Piko track, or Hornby, is a better choice...?
Which of the options looks most like the rails you see when you go to look at trains?
Which brand can be curved easily and will retain the curvature while you look for track nails to tack it into place? Or does that matter? It doesn't for me.
Which option affords you more track length for the same price?
Have you inquired on EU forums about durability and ease of use?
And so on. We need to know what your criteria are.
I thought one of the mail order shops had a really good deal on code 83 Micro engineering, then I read the fine print and it was only rails, not track.
Atlas works well for me and is the least expensive choice, where I live. I don't get bent out of shape by the molding of the tie plates.
Back when there were fiber ties, weren't they held to the rail by metal staples? Now that was ugly.
Rail and turnouts, periodically become unavailable. Whatever you decide on, don't expect it will be as available in 6 months.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
marctjei'm trying to plan my layout but i'm not sure about the rails i'm gone to use.
Every brand you listed is good. I assume you are in HO or OO since you mentioned code 100 rail.
If you are modelling a European prototype I have heard Peco looks to most appropriate.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi,
Considering you are in Europe, it might be best to get what ever brand of track you can get most easily there.
That said, if you were in the US, I would tell you my favorite is Atlas - either code 83 or 100 (whichever works easiest for you).
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Union Pacific and Amtrak in Belgium