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Walthers new code 83 track and Turnouts

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  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 1:19 PM

maxman
I add a little tadalafill to the glue/water mixture.

I Googled that while my wife was talking to me.

Thanks.

Pirate

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2021
  • 1,110 posts
Posted by crossthedog on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 1:02 PM

I bought an Atlas #6 righty and a trio of Walthers #6 lefties, all of them new Code 83. Not sure why, but on one of the Walthers turnouts some of my older DC engines hiccup just a bit. They go through, but they just get a quick hitch in their git-along. No troubles with the Atlas or the other two Walthers so far. Kind of annoying. I expected my little booster 0-4-0 to have trouble reaching over the frog, but I was surprised that some of my F-7s balked there. They sure look good, though, with the no hinges.

Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 11:55 AM

SeeYou190
More strength and rigidity in general.

If I feel that the track work requires more strength and rigidity, I add a little tadalafill to the glue/water mixture.

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,862 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 11:22 AM

Some people's children. Confused

Mike

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 10:31 AM

Lastspikemike

 

 
Doughless

I saw the turnouts at a hobby shop in Riverdale Ga.  IMO, the geometry of the Walthers compares most directly to the PECO 83.  Short distance from points to frog.  But the Walthers has a lot more track beyond the frog making it an overall longer piece of track if you use them untrimmed.

I like the lack of a hinge for the points.  To me, it really stands out as looking more realistic than all other brands.

 

 

 

The Walthers product competes directly with Peco Unifrog. Same continuous points/closure rails. Points spring in the throw bar. All live rails with no power routing (dead frog) but you can clip jumpers to restore power routing. Walthers makes their turnouts big is the main difference.

 

Well, the way the world works, the most recently designed stuff should always be the best on the market relative to anything designed years ago.  Doesn't always work that way though. 

I like the concept of the not-too-strong sprung points and the lack of a hinge.  I prefer the longer geometry of the Atlas #6, so the new Walthers is not turnout perfection for me but its really nice.

- Douglas

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 7:55 AM

Doughless
I saw the turnouts at a hobby shop in Riverdale Ga.

I need to get back to Riverdale Station. That is a great hobby shop to visit.

I hope the owner is doing OK. The last time I talked to him he was buying a retirement property in Florida and planning to move in a couple of years.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 7:26 AM

I saw the turnouts at a hobby shop in Riverdale Ga.  IMO, the geometry of the Walthers compares most directly to the PECO 83.  Short distance from points to frog.  But the Walthers has a lot more track beyond the frog making it an overall longer piece of track if you use them untrimmed.

I like the lack of a hinge for the points.  To me, it really stands out as looking more realistic than all other brands.

- Douglas

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, July 12, 2021 7:51 PM

MikeN8FWD
has anyone ever used the new Walthers code 83 track and turnouts?

They are like unicorns, I have not seen them yet.

Lastspikemike
I like the Walthers stuff. The tie depth is shallow which will reduce ballast material required but makes mixing track brands trickier. The power feed joiners and regular metal and insulating joiners are a cut above anyone else's for tight fit and ease of use. Walthers also makes and sells extra ties to fit under the spaces you create by trimming flex track ends, which is handy.

Could you post pictures of your new Walthers turnouts? As I said, I have not seen the features yet.

Thanks. 

Lastspikemike
The tie depth is shallow

Shallow "protoype profile" ties are a stupid feature.

I would prefer ties to be twice the scale thickness.

1) More depth for excess glue not to flow into the tie gaps. (for you caulkers)

2) More strength and rigidity in general.

3) Once it is ballasted, the tie depth disappears anyway, so why not malke a more versatile and rugged product.

SoapBox Rant Over.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    June 2019
  • 24 posts
Walthers new code 83 track and Turnouts
Posted by MikeN8FWD on Monday, July 12, 2021 12:01 PM

Hello,

has anyone ever used the new Walthers code 83 track and turnouts?

what are your thoughts?

thanks Big Mike 

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