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OK, c100 is definitely more durable, robust, resilient, whatever adjective you want to choose to say stronger, than c83! (20% stronger to be precise, and this doesn't take into consideration the thickness of the ties, and the added structural integrity they contribute to the equation.)That is going to make it less likely to incur damage in handling & installation, and also less prone to develop kinks over time from changes in the benchwork/subroadbed due to temperature & humidity. It is also probably a bit less likely to conform to vertical kinks in your subroadbed, (due to careless construction.) if you're using caulk or glue for the install, simply by bending less when it is pushed upon.This [to me] says that c100 is the more reliable choice, period. This is not rocket science, just common sense, especially where the novice is concerned.However, it is also less realistic than c83. (Not arguable.) How much this matters to you personally is dependant upon your own eye for detail and your desire to be true to the prototype. As has been stated, c100 can look very good once weathered & ballasted.As far as choosing track for a first layout, (that will most probably be dismantled) I would have to say c100 is the wise choice. This track need not go to waste either; if installed using caulk, it can most likely be salvaged and used for hidden track on your next, and larger venture. (Should you desire to go with code 83, 70, etc.)Riding this "Train of Thought" (pun intended.) you get to have your cake & eat it too! You save money now, gain experience, and have the most reliable operation for your first layout, and not have it all go to waste.What I would like to see discussed is the differences between manufactures of flextrack. Atlas' is very flexible, and has a memory if you will. It wants to be straight, making it more difficult to work with on curves. Price difference is ~ $2.50 (c83) vs $2.10 (c100) per yard. (Mail order, of course.) But what about Bachmann c83 track? Mail order it's available for only $1.79/yard in quantity. Does this brand compromise on quality control, where track gauge is concerned? (Which would make it a poor choice as far as reliability goes.) Or, does it not look as realistic as, say the Atlas track? (Lets not even consider, for instance, Micro Engineering, which can't be had for less than almost $5/section. We are talking cost being a motivating factor!)Any thoughts on this might clear the waters further...
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