Please explain track codes....

[Z For Me]

Hello members.
After over 35 years of loving the hobby I am at last going to build my first layout in HO.
Can someone please explain the code of track that confuses me? You know, code 85 or code 100.
Can these two codes be used on the same layout?
Thanks, Mark

[EL PARRo]

The track code is the height of the rail. Code 100 is .100" tall, code 83 is .083" tall, etc.

[Anonymous]

Code 100 is, scale-wise, equal to the HEAVIEST of main-line rails used today - or heavier.

Code 83 is closer to the scale size of what is being used for real.

Code 70 and code 55 are lighter rails - like what is used on sidings.

Rob

[IRONROOSTER]

Yes, both code 100 and 83, as well as code 70 can be used on the same layout. There are companys that make transition track sections or transition rail joiners. You can also do your own transitions. Most people follow the prototype practice of using the bigger rail on the mainline and the smaller rail on sidings or yards.
Enjoy
Paul

[AntonioFP45]

Code 83 is similar to the typical 79mph rails seen on U.S Class 1 railroads TODAY. Code 70 resembles the typical rails that you see on industrial sidings. Code 100 actually resembles the 155 pound-per-yard rail that the Pennsylvania Railroad and several other roads used on heavily traveled 80mph plus main lines. Just look at pictures of the Pennsy's or later, Penn Central's northeast corrider tracks where GG1s hit 100mph with little effort. In the 70s and 80s, technology evolved to the point where rails have been made lighter but with just as much or more tensile strength to take the punishment of heavy or fast trains.

Suggestion: Just look of any picture of mainlines and sidings and compare with the samples or pictures of code 70, 83, and 100. I like the look of 83 and am currently switching over to it, litlte by little (like most of us on a budget!
Go with what makes you comfortable. Happy Railroading!