Hi all. I need your help. I'm am trying to figure out what track I should use for my N Scale Layout. I have read several forum about track and still am not sure which route to go. I'd like to go with code 55 but I'm not sure which brand to use. Atlas, Micro Engineering, or Peco. I have read good and bad about all three. Is one more reliable than the others? Does one build better flex track or better switches. I am planning on using DCC. I have read about Atlas code 55 and some cars bounce on the ties. Any information and recommendations would be help.
I prefer Peco55. Main plus is that it is more robust becuse it is actually a taller rail buried in the ties to look smaller. I also like the sprung points. Also the the last time I looked some years ago the rail head is marginally slimmer than some other brands which I think looks better. This may not be true compared to other current code 55's.
On the other hand PECO are not true numbered switches, while the other brands are. PECO small, medium and large all have the same frog. The difference is in the length of the points and overall length of the switch.
A friend of mine was unhappy with Atlas 55. He said the were humped. But that was years ago, the problem may have been solved with later runs.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
So you use Peco code 55 and Peco turnouts? Do you use DCC? If so do you ever have any problems with the switches. I'm looking for reliability more than a true realistic look. I think the tie spacing wouldn't be noticed once ballasted and I think it'll look fine if I would use all the same track.
Recent Atlas Code 55 seems to be fine -- no "humps" in the turnouts. If you have older equipment with deep flanges, it may bump along the molded-in "spikes" that hold the rail to the ties.
MicroEngineering looks great, but the flex track is pretty stiff (which some find tricky to work with) and they are limited to #6 turnouts.
I, too, use PECO Code 55 – I’m OK with how it looks and the turnouts are very space-efficient.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I use Atlas code 55 and have no problems at all.
Michael
The Breitenbach - Rosenheim Railroad V3
Honestly still trying to decide myself. PECO code 55 cast iron Dependablity and the most turnout availability. Appearance of tie spacing looks like Atlas code 80.
Atlas code 80 grandfather of all track very durable. Non prototypical tie spacing Good turnout availability.
Micro engineering code 55 probably the best looking track in my opinion but it only has a number 6 turnout. As Cuyama said the track is very tricky to Bend but it holds its shape could be a plus. Very prototypical.
Atlas code 55 very prototypical as well with choice of number 5 turn out and number 7 turn out and I do believe a curved turnout of 21 radius and 15 radius.
Oh and I forgot micro-engineering has a code 70 if you want to run old stock. But you're still limited to the number 6 turnout.
If you're confused don't feel bad it's been a year and I still am confused in making my choice. Good luck with your decision take your time it's not a race.
Edit. Atlas code 55 and code 70 also has a number 10 turnout and they look sweet.
I wanted to go with Atlas code 55 due to the number of turnouts available, but reading problems kinda has me leaning towards Peco now.
Another vote for Peco.
Richard
RideOnRoad Another vote for Peco.
Yup. Peco. Snap locking turnouts I hear you. The rails are inbedded in the ties. You could probably drop a bowling ball on the track and it still wouldn't break. Of course I wouldn't recommend it.
I bought some Atlas code 55 and experimented with it staggering the joiners. It is fragile it's not durable like Atlas code 80. I busted some of the little Tie joiners to the rails working with it. It's delicate track. It has to be worked with on a stable flat surface when you're doing something like that and that makes me nervous. So again I hear you that's why I still haven't decided on track.
I use Atlas Code 80 for everything but I just have the stages of a 2'x4' switching layout I am building, so I don`t really have to worry about continuous running. Just switching out depots, factories and a scrap yard. I made the far track EL and the near track B&O but can switch to multiple different roads, since I am an N scale hoarder....... Also have a few of the glow in the dark Toxic Waste cars that will be "guarded by German Soldiers. See if anyone ever notices!!
Peco is certainly one, if not the top brand for track and switches. It may be a minor point, though, that Peco switches follow European practice when it comes to tie arrangement. The difference to US practice is hardly noticeable once the track is ballasted, but it is there and it might bug you.
Before you make a final decision...why not consider Kato??
http://katousa.com/N/Unitrack/g-single.html
http://katousa.com/N/Unitrack/concrete.html