Hi everyone. Have any of you used HO code 55 or 70 track for sidings and spurs in operations? I'm building a small layout for switching and operations, but am thinking of using Code 55 (or maybe 70) for the side tracks coming off a main that will be Code 83. I think 55 will look more realistic, but I don't want issues with it. Have you had any issues with 55 or 70 (ie: derailments, other)? Do you have specific brands you suggest?
Thanks.
JRP
I want to use Code 70 on my sidings and yards, but I'm still waiting for Peco's turnouts. They have the flex track out, thay've been promising the turnouts for over 2 years now, but still haven't delivered. I really don;t want to mix things up - I'm using Peco's Code 83 line for my mains.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
When I laid down track for my last switching layout, I used Atlas Code 83 for everything. On my current one, I chose to handlay and used Micro Engineering rail, whose profile I like more than Atlas-- code 83 with branches of code 70. It's a very subtle difference, but I like the effect. No derailment issues, but I also standardized all my wheelsets (Intermountain metal) and don't have any locos with pizza cutter flanges-- I'd check those before getting lower-profile rail.
Phil
I have used, and plan to again use on my next layout, Micro Engineering code 55 flex track.
I currently have six pieces in my parts stash.
I use this for sidings, attached to Shinohara code 70 turnouts. I have never used a code 55 turnout.
Kadee wheels track just fine through ME code 55 flex track. It is well made and I have had no problems with it.
It has the look of an old industrial siding.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I had experimented years ago using code 40 rail on an industrial siding and 55 on a storage siding. While the track looked good even weathered the wide wheel tread made it look silly. Cartoonish would be a better description. Back then I only had about 50 locomotives and around 120 pieces of rolling stock. Changing that amount of wheels would have been crazy. Going scale is an all or nothing thing in my book. Scale size steam engine drivers would be very difficult to find.
Going to code 70 weathered would be the smallest I would go in my opinion.
Pete.
BTW. I ended up scrapping those sidings and recycled the rail into fence posts and guard rails on bridges.
JRP,
I use code 83, 70 and 55 with no problems. I have sidings in the yard that are code 70 and 55 with no operational issues. The upper deck is all code 70 mainline and code 55 sidings - again no problems running a variety of equipment.
I use Micro Engineering flex track exclusively for visible track on the layout. I looks the best to my eye and operates perfectly.
Have fun,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site