Code 70

[Anonymous]

There is a code 70 right?

[trainboyH16-44]

I use code 100, and want a combination of code 83, 70 and 55. Different weights for different tracks.

[pcarrell]

I use code 80 for the hidden track, code 70 for the mainline, and code 55 for the branchline, all in N scale.

[Anonymous]

Code 83 for me. I would have preferred to use code 70, perhaps something even lighter, but except for flextrack and #6 turnouts, nothing else was available at the time. So I chose code 83 which offered a wide variety of crossings, slip switches, regular and curved turnouts, etc. Since the difference in rail height is pretty darn small, 83 was the clear choice.

[BentnoseWillie]

I use Code 83 and 70, with plans to use 55 soon.

[fwright]

I use a mixture of Code 70, 55, and 40 for my turn-of-the century standard and narrow-gauge. Actually, Code 70 is on the large size for this application. Interesting aside - almost all model rail is too "thick" in the head - but overhead is the more common viewing angle than from the side. Despite the fact we see the rail head thickness more than the height, we focus on scaling the rail height correctly. Go figure.

yours in railing
Fred Wright

[howmus]

I use a mix of code 83 and code 70 with, I think one or two sections of old code 100 in a couple of hidden areas. The code 70 is handlaid and is used in my logging area and a couple of places in the yard. The look of the handlaid track is wonderful! But with a large layout, well, I would like to get the mainline done before I die..... [;)]

For me code 100 just doesn't look right. Of course the giant Caboose Industries manual Ground Throws, um, look just right. [:D]

[Anonymous]

what exactly is code 70?

[orsonroy]

On my last layout, all the switches were Peco code 75, as was the mainline tracks, Passing sidings were ME code 70, and dead-end spurs were ME code 55. Because of the lack of decent crossings in the Peco line, most were either ME code 70 or Atlas code 83. My staging yard tracks were Atlas code 83, because I had a lot lying around from my last layout.

My new layout (in planning currently) will have the same mix of track.

[Anonymous]

how do you mix? doesn't that cause derailing alot?

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by N_trains

how do you mix? doesn't that cause derailing alot?

Nope. I use properly weighted cars with free rolling metal wheelsets, and all my steam runs without derailing normally. So my rolling stock is in good shape.

As for the track joints, I laid the track normally without regard to rail size. When I had a height difference, I sanded the joint smooth with a Dremel tool sanding drum. But even before I did that, I didn't experience a single derailment due to differeces in track height, due to the aforementioned good rolling qualities of my equipment.

I guess I was just lucky too!

[PennsyHoosier]

I use code 83 and 70. I have a little code 100 in hidden staging.

[on30francisco]

I use code 83 for the mainline and code 70 for secondary lines and industrial trackage. This represents 55lb and 35 lb rail respectively in O scale.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by N_trains

how do you mix? doesn't that cause derailing alot?

It is easy to shim the lower height rail to match the height of the taller code. It isn't really much of a problem. I am using code 100 in hidden staging, code 83 main, code 70 branch and code 55 sidings. Atlas code 100 all others ME. I think that ME is the best looking railhead of all track brands out there that I have seen.

[waltersrails]

code 100 is mine

[dinwitty]

Code 83 for my heavy mainline, code 70 for the narrow gauge and mostly traction
Code 100 is typical for the snap strack put it on the floor layouts.

[trainboyH16-44]

You can also use different codes by special transition joiners. They make them for transistions from most codes to most codes.

[tomikawaTT]

On my layout, rail height is determined by the purpose and location of the track. All of the following refers to HO:

Hidden track - code 100
Specialwork in the main visible area - code 100
Main and through tracks used by heavy trains - code 83
Spurs not used by locomotives, and narrow gauge main tracks - code 70
Narrow gauge secondary tracks, code 55.

For every size there is a reason, not always related to the prototype.