Code 40 vs. code 55

[Anonymous]

After reading a couple of posts I need to clarify something. I have a bunch (25 pieces) of flex track that does not match up with my peco code 55 switches. There must be almost 2mm difference between the height of the flex track and the height of my switches (physical height of the top of the rail when both are joined together with a joiner). Do I have code 40 (which I did not know existed until a couple of hours ago)?!!

[sparkingbolt]

Sounds like it. Code 40 is TINY. The "code" means the height of the rail itself, not including ties, in thousandths of an inch, thus code 40 is .040' tall. measure it with a caliper, or even against a feeler guage to see what you have. Dan

[nfmisso]

MT;

Does not sound like it. Code 55 is .055" or 1.39mm, code 40 is .040" or 1.01mm. For a 2mm difference, there has to be a very large difference in tie thickness.

[Anonymous]

The only manufacturer that sells code 40 rail / flextrack that I am aware of is Micro Engineering (once known as Railcraft in case you have some older track). Their name should be on the bottom of the ties. ME also sells track with other rail sizes, so simply having their track would not indicate it is code 40 rail. The best way to determine is to measure the rail height with a micrometer or caliper. The rail's code is the height of the rail in thousanths of an inch. Code for is 0.040 inches high. Code 55 is 0.055 inches high. Etc. etc. For comparison, code 100 is 0.100 or 1/10 of an inch high.

Dale B.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I was gestimating the difference in height. All I am sure of is that none of my stock would take kindly to the height adjustment! Consequently I shall be looking to unload this rail and replace it. I am thinking of Peco 55 concrete ties since I am working with German/Swiss/French modern high speed.