Rail Choices

[oakcreekco]

Peco 55................................and the rockets red glare

[Chris333]

Paul said today the code 55 is here, but not the full shipment so shops might not get all they need. Said the rest will be here soon:
http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=60508&whichpage=2

I like ME flex because it is stiff, Atlas is to flexi for me, but I have been using Atlas lately since it is a little cheaper.

N scale supply usually has ME flex in stock.

Whatever you do I'd stay with C55.

[Iain]

David, does the C25 give about the same clearance as ME C40 with the plastic spikes?  I'm thinking that since NS had such light rail, this may be the way to go. Of course, I do have plenty of Atlas C55, so there isn't much point in switching.

[asciibaron]

for whatever reason, i bought a bundle of 25 pieces of flex track - i know i'll need more, but that is the first time i've ever been ahead of the "crisis" - i should play the lotto.

i'm not sure if i should put all the main in and staging and then go back and add the sidings and yard or if i should start at point A and work until i get back around to point A.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

For me, the biggest difference between the C80 and the C55 track is the refinement in all aspects of it, not just the rail size.

The ties are more to scale, the spikes are, etc... I think mixing the two will look really odd. Ask Dave V!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

for whatever reason, i bought a bundle of 25 pieces of flex track - i know i'll need more, but that is the first time i've ever been ahead of the "crisis" - i should play the lotto.

i'm not sure if i should put all the main in and staging and then go back and add the sidings and yard or if i should start at point A and work until i get back around to point A.

Get one "loop" in, so you can run something, then add in more.

[DKS]

David, does the C25 give about the same clearance as ME C40 with the plastic spikes?  I'm thinking that since NS had such light rail, this may be the way to go. Of course, I do have plenty of Atlas C55, so there isn't much point in switching.

The C25 provides ~.020 clearance, allowing for solder. It's not the easiest rail to lay, however, and you pretty much need 100% PCB ties. Plus... you also need the C25 rail...

[DKS]

for whatever reason, i bought a bundle of 25 pieces of flex track - i know i'll need more, but that is the first time i've ever been ahead of the "crisis" - i should play the lotto.

i'm not sure if i should put all the main in and staging and then go back and add the sidings and yard or if i should start at point A and work until i get back around to point A.

Get one "loop" in, so you can run something, then add in more.

Agreed.

[Mark5]

This is slightly exagerated, but mixing C80 with ME or Atlas C55 is like mixing 3 rail 027 with O 2 rail scale track. ;D

[Iain]

David, does the C25 give about the same clearance as ME C40 with the plastic spikes?  I'm thinking that since NS had such light rail, this may be the way to go. Of course, I do have plenty of Atlas C55, so there isn't much point in switching.

The C25 provides ~.020 clearance, allowing for solder. It's not the easiest rail to lay, however, and you pretty much need 100% PCB ties. Plus... you also need the C25 rail...

True, dat.  I'm thinking of c40 mainline, and I'd like to do C25 sidings.

[asciibaron]

Get one "loop" in, so you can run something, then add in more.

i figure i can get the main loop in place putting the turnouts in the proper locations.  the branch might have to wait until after i get the staging in place.  i'd really like to get the yard in place and then work the main around.  there are some tricky reaches to lay the track.  don't want to mess up any pieces if the boat hasn't left the dock with them  ;D