General > General Discussion

HO track code 83 or 100?

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TwinStar:
I use ME Code 83 on the main for Free-mo (as required like Tim said) and ME Code 70 everywhere off the main.

atsfguy:
 I am using Peco code 83 flex track and turnouts to build my last model railroad because it is a great looking product and performs well. I particularly like the spring on the points as my layout is narrow and nothing is out of arms reach.
 I adhere the track to the roadbed with siliconized acrylic caulk, which is easy to lift should I change the design to hopefully make it work better.
 My layout is point to point and will eventually have turntables at each end, if I decide to install a decoder in a steam engine. Being set in 1954, steam was still in use on some ATSF lines, especially my fictitious Division.

Espeelark:
Hey WyldBill - your original post was ~8 months ago but I thought I'd still add my 2-cents worth...
I finally started the build of my layout early last year. I first had to install a drop ceiling, panel LED lights and two, parallel offset stud walls. THEN I was able to start attacking the actual layout. It will be double deck around the walls with a central peninsula/blob that will have four levels - the bottom and top levels of which will be return loops/staging.

For the return loops/staging, I will be using code 100 only because that will get me going a lot faster. I'm using code 100 flex and Peco turnouts here. The helix that will connect all of these levels will also be code 100.

For the two operating levels, those will be code 83 (flex track) and I plan to build my own turnouts using Fast Tracks jigs/tooling/fixtures.

Note - the Wuhan Flu has created a unique opportunity. There have been oh so few model RR swap meets / flea markets because most have been cancelled. However for the couple/few that did not cancel they were a Buyer's bonanza. Attendance was low and after the first hour hardly any new attendees were coming in the front door. As a result, the Sellers were very eager to bargain to move product. I got some great deals on used and new flex track and Peco turnouts as a result.

trainman605:
In may cases with some model railroaders it's always about the money, don't let them fool you. Since we all model at different levels, I would say do what works for you, I'm somewhat of a rivet counter so you can see what code I would go with. Just don't start out with code 100 and a couple of years from now wish you had used code 70, it does happen.

trainman

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