A recent move to a new home has me scraping my HO scale layout for N scale. A few things: I will keep DCC (digitrax). I wish to keep the wiring as simple as possible, will use ground throws or thinking about Peco for the manual "throw". Also, will be doing a modern road, no issues w/ locos, etc. I am also debating code 55 vs. code 83. I bought some Atlas 55 to play with, looks great, but alsoneed to think about the reliability factor for code 83 and the numerous choices in turnout types for Peco. Can some help me! Thanks in advance!
John
I use Code 80 (which is what I think you mean; Code 83 is offered in Ho but not N). You're right on 2 counts: the Atlas Code 55 looks fantastic, and Code 80 is reliable. I can't speak to the reliability of Code 55, but I run a lot of the Micro-Trains (MT) cars with deep flanges that are too deep for Code 55. They make replacement low-profile wheelsets, but I've had so much luck with high rail and deep flanges from an operational standpoint, I don't mind the loss of realism. Also, I imagine you'd have to be really careful with ballast using Code 55. Just my two cents; I'm sure plenty of folks swear by Atlas Code 55.
I use Atlas Code 80 flex with Peco Code 80 Insufrog turnouts. Peco has a line of Code 55 track that will operate with the deeper-flanged MT wheels you may also want to consider. Here's a shot of my Code 80 stuff.
By the way, I use Digitrax too, so you know what I did will work for you.
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Thanks for the correction and the good advice! I do have another question: If need be, can I still use a tortoise switch motor on the Peco turnouts? I saved all of my tortoises and may need to use a few where manual throwouts are not practical. Thanks again.
I’ve heard mostly good things about Atlas Code 55, and I’d use it on my next layout (I currently use Atlas Code 80). It’s true that older equipment with deeper flanges will not be able to operate on this track, but since you are new in N-scale, you have the advantage of starting fresh and passing over this equipment. Also keep in mind that a majority of locos made over the past few years are fine on this track. The only major headache you are likely to run into is MT cars, but MT offers lo-profile wheel sets that you can swap into. Of course MT is not the only quaility maker these day either, but their couplers are still the best.
Atlas is committed to this line and continues to release new items. At first the offerings were limited, but I think they have expanded the line enough that I would certainly use it.
I'd say go with Atlas code 55, or Peco code 55 (which will be pricer).
I'm using Peco code 55 with Peco turnouts and am VERY pleased with the operation and look. All my flanges have cleared with no modifications and also use Digitrax. I wouldn't do it differently if I could. Good luck
Guy
Much good advice has already been given, so I won't belabor those points.
I would like to add that I use Atlas code 55 on all my shortlines tracks (the shortline is the focus of my layout) and Micro Engineering code 70 for the main line inconnect. On all tracks not visible (staging and so forth) I use Atlas code 80. They all work well.
Atlas has just relaesed a #10 turnout in code 55 that looks awesome and might sway your decision a bit. Here's a pic from the Atlas site.....
This will make your mainline look very realistic if you ask me.
Oh, and one more thing......Welcome to the dark side!