Code 55 versus Code 80

[Philip H]

For me, while the difference is sort of noticeable in transition joints, I still prefer code 80 for modern high density main and code 55 for sidings and industries.  There really is not other way to get the appearance of secondary track, unless you use code 55 ofr the main and hand lay code 40 for the sidings.

It may be a compromise, but one I am more then willing to live with.   

[Hiroe]

Not to further complicate the issue, but what's the deal with the Atlas C65 line coming out in September?

[Philip H]

Assuming you meant this:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/atl-2401.htm

I've actually got some of that as well, for a small fiddle yard/ staging area I'm about to start on.  The stuff I have looks good, and it might be a great way to introduce domething that is slightly up in scale from code 55, but not as large as Unitrack.  The track looks good, and the one switch I have is set up for mounting of a switch machine from below.

Of ocurse, it is on plastic roadbed, and because of the buff color of the balast, its not exactly faithful to my prototype.

[Hiroe]

Interesting. I wasn't aware it was roadbed-style track, as the blurb i saw somewhere didn't mention that part. Nevermind then?

[Philip H]

You know, if this had been out when I started the latest layout, I might have snagged a few more pieces.  Since I'm doing a swithcing layout, my mailine section is only about 3 feet long, and so it would have been a great idea to run some o fthis stuff, and spend the time hiding its origins like some others have done with Unitrack.  Of course, I could do that now - taking up the code 80 and all - but I'd rather put the $$ into DCC decoders.

[Walkercolt]

Painting the code 80 track with flat black or (my preference) cheap rust colored primer paint, then a good ballesting job does wonders for the "look" of code 80, where you'll be looking down on it. Let Carl in our club do the ballasting, and the ties about "dissapper" too. He's good! What I want is PECO code 55 with US size ties and spacing, because I LOVE their turnouts with the spring. Their code 55 turnouts usually don't need the "tweaks" their code 80s sometimes do. They could make code 40 similar to their code 55 and few wheelsets on engines would need to be turned down too.(Or code 30 that might need low flanges) Hey, I can dream, can't I?

[Philip H]

I agree that code 80 can be made to look better then it comes from the factory.  I got one of those Floquil Paint pens a while back in Rail Brown, and, following Cody Grivno's method from the Model Railroader website I've been slowly runnign it along the sides of the rails to paint them.  The tip is a bit oversized, even for code 80, but man do they look a thousand times better.  Then I follow that with some random runs of Rust, and to my eyes they look fantastic.

Doing the same thing to code 55 makes it almost dissappear.

[Hiroe]

Hey, you could always go *really* nuts, and use code 25 rail:

http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/clinic_03.htm

[Zox]

What I want is PECO code 55 with US size ties and spacing, because I LOVE their turnouts with the spring.

Preach it, brother--I'd be all over that. All of the visual advantages of "American" Code 55, with none of the operational or compatibility disadvantages.

What I really wonder is why Atlas hasn't retooled their Code 80 track to use their Code 55 tie molds. The base of the rails is very nearly the same size, if not identical--Atlas joiners labeled "Code 55" will fit on Atlas Code 80 track. So there's no technical reason to keep the Code 80 with the old-style ties. In fact, Atlas could realize some savings by making the ties common between both rail heights.

I'm guessing it's a marketing decision--keeping a distinction between "beginner" Code 80 and "advanced" Code 55. But with the molded-roadbed Code 65 becoming Atlas's new "beginner" line, who knows?

[wm3798]

I suspect that in time there will be c65 flex to be compatible with the TruTrack.  Obviously the built in roadbed will have to go, but if this line takes off, it would be nice if Atlas unloaded the c80 and replaced it with a c65 US profile line of snap and flex track.

I will have to say, Dave, that you did a very nice job of camouflaging that c80, but now that it's been unmasked, there's no turning back!

Lee

[Walkercolt]

WM, we have heard from "un-disclosed sources" there will be a "flex-track" in the code 65 WITH a flexible roadbed attached... ??? How much "flex" it will have is the question. Kato tried this some years back on Unitrack. They removed the "tie holes" from the road-bed, so the track could slide inside the roadbed. Didn't catch-on for the market they were after, because you needed to trim the track ends and the road-bed for length and the "Unijoiners". I'm 99% sure it wasn't marketed in the US, only Japan, but I've seen pieces of it. It might have made a 1 meter radius with alot of nails in it. "Tan" road-bed only, that I've seen.(Gives you an idea of it's age.)
The 2mm guys in England have used "code 20" "rail"(it's just square nickel-silver stock), so if you're determined/crazy enough, you CAN do about anything.

[rswinnerton]

I recently picked up some c55 track for my layout I'm starting on. Did I mention its in --HO!!!-- that's right, we have your best looking rail as flex track in HO. HA! So who's moving to HO?
Russ

[ednadolski]

I recently picked up some c55 track for my layout I'm starting on. Did I mention its in --HO!!!-- that's right, we have your best looking rail as flex track in HO. HA! So who's moving to HO?
Russ

Sounds like you're going to be hand-laying some turnouts (Cool!) 

Andy R. at http://www.proto87.com has frogs, milled points, and other parts that can save time & improve results.

You can get them for N and Z scale too: http://www.proto87.com/n-scale-track.html

Ed

[Ian MacMillan]

I recently picked up some c55 track for my layout I'm starting on. Did I mention its in --HO!!!-- that's right, we have your best looking rail as flex track in HO. HA! So who's moving to HO?
Russ

I'm already doing P87 in HO as well on a switching layout...so your a bit late.


Oh and I was told by one of the owners at Charles Ro "Americas Largest Train Store" in Malden, MA today that "no one buys Altas Code 55" and thats why they dont stock it..... Right.... Well so much for me picking up more track for the layout today as I am out...damn

[rswinnerton]

Charlie Ro is correct. If you don't stock it, the its a sure thing that no one will buy it. I'm going to try my hand at handlaid switches as there will be some odd trackwork in the industrial park. We'll see how it comes out. Thanks for the links!
Russ