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brakie
Moderator
USA
6940 Posts |
 Posted - 09/04/2009 : 11:41:03 AM
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As a update since 2003..
I no longer use Atlas C55..
I operated on Kato's Unitrack on a friends layout and I like the smooth operation of the switches and track..
My new layout will be Unitrack.. |
Larry
Engineman
Slate Creek Rail.
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Blazeman
New Hire
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2009 : 3:30:58 PM
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For now, it will be tried and true Atlas 80. If done right, it blends in nicely. Best N layout I' ve ever seen (and most of you have never seen) uses 80 and Atlas turnouts.
Maybe if you have the jaundiced eye for code 80 along with high riding MT cars, it may ruin your view. But everyone who sees this layout goes ape about it, especially HO'ers.
Just hope I can do justice to be close to what Ted has done. |
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Mountain Man
New Hire
49 Posts |
Posted - 12/18/2009 : 2:27:24 PM
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After extensive talks with both my LHS and The Caboose in Denver, I'm going with Atlas 80. Code 55 is very realistic, but I've heard to many people talk about problems with wheel profiles and such, and I already have a large stable of locos and running stock and no desire to take on the expense of replacing or modifying the fleet. [:-banghead]
I have a mix of older equipment, model turn-of-19th-century stuff, and want smooth, reliable operation without a lot of hassles while using something smaller than the unrealistic Code 100, which doesn't come in enough variety anyway.
The only thing I do not like about Atlas track is the way they power their turnouts with those big, ugly, "banana" motors that cannot be hidden or scenicked, but the LHS guru says there is a way to conceal the motors under the layout.
So...construction begins shortly - I hope! |
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Tyson Rayles
Moderator
USA
10167 Posts |
Posted - 12/18/2009 : 5:04:21 PM
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| Best of luck! |
Mike |
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eric719
New Hire
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2010 : 2:19:15 PM
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I really like Atlas code 55 for its looks. Especially since I model a light-railed grain branch. I just bought some ME code 55 and while it also looks good, it can be a chore to work with as it is so stiff if it gets kinked its a pain to try and straighten.
Eric |
Modeling BN in the Palouse |
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fatso
Crew Chief
United Kingdom
741 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2010 : 9:49:11 PM
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| for me has to be kato for ease and contruction very hard lasting.mike |
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HurleyStation
Engine Wiper
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 12:36:45 PM
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I don't have a permanent layout, but will be getting into which track to use in the near future. I had heard that the code 55 track can give you trouble with some manufacturers cars. Is this true or a myth? Is it certain brands of track that might have that problem? Any guidance is appreciated. |
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Tyson Rayles
Moderator
USA
10167 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 2:42:10 PM
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| Code 55 can cause problems with some locos and rolling stock as the wheel flanges will hit the rails. The one exception is Peco code 55 because it is code 55 on the outside but code 80 on the inside so pretty much everything runs on it. |
Mike |
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sjconrail
Engine Wiper
USA
131 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2010 : 2:58:36 PM
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Most people that use code 55 replace their wheel sets with FVM, BLMA or MT's medium/low flange wheels (I thinkt here's anohter too, can't remember). IMHO, code 55 looks much better both in person and in photos then the code 80 stuff. Also, with code 55 (and code 40), you have some options when it comes to handlaying track or turnouts. Just some thoughts,
Phil |
http://www.conrailharrisburgline.org
http://www.thecrhs.org |
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HurleyStation
Engine Wiper
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 06:58:18 AM
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| Thanks, will give it all consideration. I Bid on a lot of peco track and switches last night on e-bay but lost out. |
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sjconrail
Engine Wiper
USA
131 Posts |
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Tyson Rayles
Moderator
USA
10167 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 10:49:45 AM
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"tie spacing is based on British standards, not the US "
True but when the only track on the layout is one brand virtually no one notices tie spacing. Besides correct tie spacing is worthless if your equipment won't run on it. Peco is also as close to indestructible as you can get. I have pulled up and reused the track on now a total of 6 layouts. Another thing to consider is if you manually throw your switches they are spring loaded and STAY in the position that you put them in unlike any of the other brands. The following are all Peco:
Now if I was just starting out so having to convert everything was not an issue would I switch to a different brand? No, Peco's ease of use, durability and positive lock switches have sold me. |
Mike |
Edited by - Tyson Rayles on 10/13/2010 11:08:45 AM |
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HurleyStation
Engine Wiper
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 12:35:06 PM
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| Thanks, I will look into more before buying. That layout looks awesome. Is that actually N scale? The foliage looks great, and the details are incredible. The only thing that looks a little off to me is the lampost. Great work. |
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Tyson Rayles
Moderator
USA
10167 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 1:59:55 PM
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Thanks, it is indeed N scale. The lampost is a Model Power and it is a little oversized but is the smallest I could find for now. However it is not glued in and will be replaced when I find a better one. It really can't be seen so easy from the normal viewing angles, I had to pop a tree or two out to take the pic, then replaced them. The longer range pic is my previous N scale layout which is now torn down. The other two pics are current and are being documented in this thread:
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15500
The foilage is rather simple. The trunks are twigs from the yard BTW. For the foilage I use Woodland Scenics coarse turf. I dump 3 different shades (trees aren't monotone) of it into a paper bag and shake to mix it up. Then I take some of their green poly fiberfill and fluff it up then spray it with a flat black primer (for that shadowy between the leafs look) and dunk it into the bag of coarse turf and shake. If any spots are missed hit with some cheap hairspray and sprinkle on the missing area. Then cut into suitable size pieces and glue in the right spots on the twig and you are done. Costs me about 25 cents a tree and takes about 10 minutes each. |
Mike |
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HurleyStation
Engine Wiper
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2010 : 9:31:52 PM
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| Thanks for the tips. Sounds like a great method. I will definitely try it. One of the problems I've noticed in n scale has been realistic foliage. You should add a thread to document your method. |
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Topic |
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What's your favorite N Scale track?
