N scale poll

[trainfreek92]

This is my first poll. I just was wondering what you guys like i am using code 80 on my layout[:D] Tim

[SP9811]

been using code 80 since day one[^]

[railroadyoshi]

I don't use N Scale, so i'm not familiar with the common codes for N. which is considered "scale". In HO I use code 100, which is out of scale. On my new layout I will definitly use Code 83

[UP Deano]

i use code 80, and am happy with it. to me, unless your going to be takeing tons of super impressive pictures of your layout in hopes it will be in a magazine, or maybe you are a rivet counter,and thats fine, then i could see going with smaller track. the choice is up to what each person wants to get out of it. but again, i see nothing wrong with code 80. trainfreek92, if the "scale police" show up at your door, i can assure you, i did NOT call them.[;)][:D]

[Adelie]

I use code 55 because I like the looks of it better. But, to each their own.

[trainboyH16-44]

Code 55 for looks. I haven't really operated on the others, but it looks like 80 is good and reliable stuff. 55 wins, though.
Matthew

[Anonymous]

80, except for the points, they 70 or something????[%-)] I use the bigger scale, seems tougher, more stable, and since I dont have a real yard(yet, on day, when i have my own place!) then I might use the smaller scale for the yard! otherwise it looks good, and the loco's stay on it, which it's all bout right? why did you ask? DD

[pcarrell]

I actually use all three...but for different things. Code 80 is for hidden track, because it's bulletproof. Code 70 is for the mainline in view. Code 55 is for the branches.

Thing is, my railroad, or whats left of it, is focused on the branchline, so most of the track is code 55. The reason I say whats left of it is because I'm in the process of moving so I'm having to take it apart. It hurts!

[UP Deano]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell

I actually use all three...but for different things. Code 80 is for hidden track, because it's bulletproof. Code 70 is for the mainline in view. Code 55 is for the branches.

Thing is, my railroad, or whats left of it, is focused on the branchline, so most of the track is code 55. The reason I say whats left of it is because I'm in the process of moving so I'm having to take it apart. It hurts!

cripes i feel stupid, thats a GREAT way/reason to use differant track codes pcarrell. i have read this before, just forgot about it. i havent done it, but if i were to start over i sure would.[;)] sorry about the fact you got to take the layout down to move, perhaps after the move you'll have more room, so you can rebuild bigger. hope there is a bright side to the move.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Pcarrell,I'm in the same boat,I just moved and lost my layout,I'm just starting a new one.I like your idea of using 80 on hidden track,if only for the cost factor. I really like the 55,but I have a PILE of older stuff, just too much to even consider starting to change wheels,at least on locos.Most of the older stuff I don't really use for operating,but I do like to at least run it.I had a pretty neat setup on my old pike.I like to run really big trains,60 cars or more,but didn't have enough room to actually justify them in operation.I ran a totally seperate 2 track mainline around the bottom level of the entire layout,just to run huge trains,and built a seperate single track main and branch on the upper levels to actually operate on.I ended up with a layout that had the best of both worlds,3 mains to just run trains,ala "trainset",and a prototypical operating layout.I'm gonna carry that theme to the new one, with a 2 or possibly 3 track mainline running throughout the entire layout[they will at least be connected this time,on the other layout,they weren't connected at all] and a fairly large operating layout.I'm gonna use C-70 Micro Engineering track on the mains,and Atlas C-55 everywhere else. For you guys that aren't using the better tracks like atlas 55,ME,etc,the actual code does make them look a little better,but really,the TIES are what really makes a difference.There's NO comparison between them in that respect. And most of the better stuff has actual "T" rail.I'll never use 80 anywhere where you can see it again.

[Anonymous]

can someone post a pic with the difference between the codes, and have them basalted if possible!(not asking to much I hope) does C 55 come with concrete ties too? DD

[Anonymous]

I have a heap of code 80, until thats gone I may look at the other codes..

I have heard of modelers raising the ballast to hide the higher track.....also you would never know what code track you have if your modeling through streets or intermodal where the sleepers covered and are out of sight.....

[MAbruce]

I used Atlas code 80 only because I had so much of it left over from a layout attempt years earlier (well before code 55 came out). If I had to start over, I'd probably go with Atlas code 55.

When Atlas first came out with their code 55 line, I was a bit skeptical. I read a lot of bad reports and their selection was limited. But most of those reports have since been debunked, and they have finally turned the corner with availability and variety.

I’ve heard great things about Peco code 55, but it’s too pricey.

[CraigN]

I am building mine with Atlas code 55

I like the looks of it.

Craig

[Anonymous]

what john likes? 55

what john actually runs? 80

thanks for the poll...

[Train 284]

Code 80 for me (well, actually my brother....)

[ErnieC]

The poll should mention PECO as a seperate case. Code 55 appearance from the outside and code 80 depth on the flanges. The heavier rail is depressed in the ties. This is the easiest way to run the older deeper flange wheels and still have lighter looking track. It is also much more bullet proof in durability and operation. Atlas could have avoided the wheel flange question by using code 60 rail but intentionally went for planned obselence, so we have to buy more track. Another reason to go with PECO.
Dependable operation trumps appearance every time.
Ernie C

[trainfreek92]

thanks for the replies! The LHS owner reccomended code 80, he said micro-trains freight cars would not run on code 80. dannyd,code 80 has black ties while code 55 has brown colered ties. code 55 does look nice but i plan to run all kinds of trains and I am ballesting my track. So yesterday i bought some straight track, 11 inch raduis and some other track peices. I bought one switches and placed an order for 13 more. Got him the LHS to go $8.40 on the Atlas switches.[:D] Tim

[Anonymous]

Micro Trains cars run fine on code 80. They should also work well on code 55, since they come with a set of low flange wheels, you can use.

If you've got older Micro Trains cars, that only have the deep flanged wheels, Atlas makes metal low flange wheelsets specifically to fit MT's trucks.

[Anonymous]

I voted for and run code 55. I have a strict "NO PIZZA CUTTER" policy that for now keeps most of my rolling off of the layout. I have been thinking of adding some hidden staging on Phase 2 it will be code 80.

[Anonymous]

Getting ready to lay track soon, as we have actually started building our helix (doing that first, then everything else lines up to whatever we get!) Bought some code 55 to lay where the track will be visible. Inside we will use code 80 that we already own. When I bought the 55 I didn't really notice how little it is. Then we go home and held it next to the 80. The difference is stunning. And the Atlas 55 ties look better than the 80 besides. Of course at this point I have no idea how things will actually run.