Code 100 track is cheap because it's 50 years old and much of the tooling is paid for. It also apeals to beginners because of price and having lower maintenance than brass track - which is cheaper yet.
Code 83 track is newer and closer to realism. That plus the offering of DCC type switches in code 83, makes it popular on this side of the pond.
Never mind that even more realistic track is available in codes 75, 70, and 55 and fineline 87.
I use code 100 and I think the same way you do, they look close enough to save money by buying code 100. I think code 83 users are more apt to have problems, not that they do, but the potential is stonger with code 83. If you are experienced and know about standards of different track type, wheel flanges, weight and other things, I guess you could work with code 83. I just prefer code 100. Just my
-beegle55
Not that I could think of, Lillen. I have used Code 100 in my latest layout because it is cheap, works reliably, is strong, and can allow the passage of deeper flanges that might otherwise get hung up on ballast or other details inside the rails or frogs. As some will agree, once you have it ballasted and painted, it doesn't look much different from the Code 83.
Lillen,
Code 83 rail is .083" high; Code 100 is .100" high. Code 83 is closer to prototypical mainline rail, therefore more realistic looking. Code 100 is slightly taller but more bullet proof.
I have Code 83 and have NOT had any problems with it. Some of the older Rivarossi cars and locomotives with deeper wheels flanges might have problems on Code 83 track. All other rolling stock and locomotives with RP-25 flanges will work fine.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi, Looking around for some flextrack I came to the conclusion that C83 is much more expensive then C100. Why is that and what are the benefits of modelling with C83 over c100? I now that it suposedly looks better but I can not really say that I notice much of a difrence. Is there a good reason besides looks to get c83?
Lillen