CNCharlie I built a N scale layout on a door a couple of years ago. I decided on code 55 as I felt it looked better and so I bought examples of Atlas and Micro Engineering rail and turnouts. I built the layout with ME track as I liked the turnouts better than Atlas. They have a metal frog and have a spring like Peco so they don't need manual or electric switch machines. The flex track is very stiff however which makes laying track somewhat more difficult but then again the track stays where you bend it. I used some sectional track as a template for the curves. I used the pre-weathered track but wouldn't do that again as you have to scrape off the coating wherever you join track so it makes getting good electrical connections more difficult. Also they don't make weathered turnouts so you have to do that yourself. Good luck, CN Charlie
I built a N scale layout on a door a couple of years ago.
I decided on code 55 as I felt it looked better and so I bought examples of Atlas and Micro Engineering rail and turnouts.
I built the layout with ME track as I liked the turnouts better than Atlas. They have a metal frog and have a spring like Peco so they don't need manual or electric switch machines. The flex track is very stiff however which makes laying track somewhat more difficult but then again the track stays where you bend it. I used some sectional track as a template for the curves.
I used the pre-weathered track but wouldn't do that again as you have to scrape off the coating wherever you join track so it makes getting good electrical connections more difficult. Also they don't make weathered turnouts so you have to do that yourself.
Good luck,
CN Charlie
ME is my favorite track. I agree the turnouts do look the best. I have heard what you said the track is hard to form. I also heard it's a good thing because the track stays and does not Kink on the curves.
I did not go with ME from the beginning because they only have a number 6 turnout and that was not working for me.
I am considering ME code 70. To do that I would have to resort to FastTracks and build my own turnouts. I would feel confident enough to do that.
I searched their website but did not find N-Scale code 70 turn out kits.......???...... don't know.
PS Hoping someone will chime in that has N scale code 80 and whether or not they have problems with slow speed stalls on the plastic frogs.
I have some N scale and code 80 is grossly out of scale and makes N scale look more toy like. I'd use it in staging or hidden areas but if I were to build a layout in N, I'd definitely go 55 for visible areas as it would give the trains and the scene a more realistic appearance.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I built several N sclae layouts 1982-1995 (or so) that all used Atlas 80 track and Peco turnouts as Brakie suggested.
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I can say this... code 80 N scale track with "pizza cutter" wheels gave nearly-flawless performance. I would not hesitate to use this again.
When painted it really does not photograph too badly. See my "Amazing Photo Find" thread for examples.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
BRAKIE From my N Scale experience I will say this. The Atlas and Peco code 80 switch is the same price so,I would go with the Peco switch.
From my N Scale experience I will say this.
The Atlas and Peco code 80 switch is the same price so,I would go with the Peco switch.
I completely agree with that opinion. I highly considered it and was very disappointed in my findings. The problem is I downloaded the paper stencils of the turnouts from Peco and found they were too different from the cork shape I have already laid for my Atlas turnouts. To change this now would be extremely difficult. In fact I would have to start over and that's not happening.
Yep I'm in a bit of a pickle here
PS I even considered the big expense of Micro Engineering code 70 if that would solve my problem but it didn't. The turnout angle on that switch is too different as well.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Im considering Atlas code 80 track for durability reasons over Atlas code 55. I'm kind of married to these two choices as my cork is laid for for the shape of these turnouts.
I have determined that Atlas code 80 number 4 and 1/2 and number 6 turnouts are close enough the same to Atlas code 55 number 5 and number 7 turnouts.
I didn't like how easily the little rail spikes snapped off the code 55 track when I was experimenting with it. With that said it makes me a little leery about choosing that track. At the same token I am a little Leary about choosing Atlas code 80 because of the plastic frogs.
I have heard both sides of the coin of modelers stating they have no problems with the plastic frogs and other modelers saying that they do.
I do wish to run my trains at slow creepy crawler speeds and therefore realize super small switchers probably would not be a good idea if I choose code 80. I can live with that.
My main question am I going to have problems with stalls running 4 Axel locomotives and switchers (4 axle in front and 4 in back) over these plastic frogs at very slow speeds?
Please share your experiences with this as it will definitely help with my decision.
Thank you
Track Fiddler