Going back to code 80?!

[bill pearce]

No one has ever explained to me why code 80 should be more reliable. Only reasion I can see is if you are using pizza cutter wheels and depend on the flange rubbing on the rail to keep the cars on the track.

[SkipGear]

The two best running layouts that I know of are C80, Todd Treasters and the layout that I opperate on locally. The local gentleman looked at C55 before laying roughly 15 cases of C80 flex for his layout. The only reason to go to C55 is looks. I really don't think one is more reliable than the other. If anything, C55 is more picky about wheel gauge.

His issue was that after years of accumulating equipment for this layout (close to 1000 cars), it would require much work and cost in new wheels and modifying older steam loco's to allow them to work correctly on a C55 layout. It all added up to more cost and more headache for someone who's primary goal is opperations, not scenery.

If you are starting brand new, are running primarily new equipment and are willing to fix the rest, then C55 is just fine. If your goal is to be able to opperate the widest variety of equipment with the least trouble, C80 is still the way to go.

BTW, Peco C55 is not C55 in my eyes. Because of the taller rail height on the inside of the track it just doesn't look the part. Besides that, the ties look just like C80 so I might as well use C80 instead. The main thing that appeals to me about C55 (both Atlas and ME) is the scale tie size and placement. The rail height isn't as much of a big deal.

[alhoop]

Why use code 80 or go back? Kato Unitrack turnouts. I am gradually swithing out my Peco/Shinohara/ Atlas turnouts to Katos.

[kelticsylk]

Haven't used code 80 in a decade or so.  I decided on code 55 early on because of it's appearance and the fact that it is allegedly close to the scale size for 152# rail, which the Pennsylvania used on it's mains. I've been using code 55 since I started developing the Allegheny Eastern back in 2010 (I think). Never thought to buy the other stuff. I like the way code 55 looks. To me code 80 is so oversize it jumps off the page in photos I've seen, even when the rest of the layout pictured is absolutely beautiful.

I did break down and buy some code 80 when I laid out the first version of the Logan Valley trolley tracks. Since the tracks are buried in the street it would be less noticeable, but I decided to use smaller rail for the Logan Valley tracks.

When I completed the layout design and started building the final version I bought more code 80 as a cost saving measure for the helix. The cost saving ended up being minimal but I'll still use it because I've already acquired the track.

I feel that either track is easy to work with. I've had no physical problems with code 55. In my experience even equipment with larger wheel flanges will run on it without derailing, it just clatters as it goes. It's only at turnout frogs that I see real issues. I am replacing all the wheelsets on my rolling stock with metal low profile Intermountain sets. They look better and work better with track and detection circuitry. I'm fortunate in that only two of my locomotives have the old style wheels. I ground the flanges down on my Trix K4 and I'm buying NWSL wheels sets for my Trix FM switcher.

FWIW
Frank Musick

[JSL]

I prefer Code 55 Atlas or ME flex. I use Atlas switches and if you do the little things to make them bullet-proof, you have no reliability issues. It just looks better and is easier to use for me.

[C855B]

Switching back to Code 80 to me is like, well, dumping your cellphone in the trash and having a lone black dial-type phone on the kitchen counter. Or running just MS-DOS on your PC so you can relive the glory days of Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect.

Anachronisms, all.

[Flatrat]

I guess everyone's mileage will vary due to their track design, how the track is laid and what they hope to run on it. I recently got back in to n scale and have a bunch of older engines and stock from 70's and 80's and chose peco 55 because it sounded like it would accomodate older trains well yet look better than 80. [knock on wood], so far both old and new stuff is running fine, derailments have not been an issue so far, either pushing or pulling trains around over peco electrofrog switch. I really like the look of the 55. To each their own though.

Scott

[avel]

Yeah he probably had to much rolling stock with older profile wheels, and didn't want to change over. I think it said in the article that the layout was started in 1980?  Having just typed that makes me realize that doesn't matter. I can't think of anything produced in the past three years that wouldn't run on Atlas code 55. I think the European market still uses large flanges, not really sure.

Makes me think, anyone here run N scale equipment from 30 years ago? Maybe somebody can start a poll.

[Flatrat]

avel,
I'm running a plymouth switcher from the early 70's right now, backwards and forwards on Peco 55 over switches with a about a half dozen cars that spookshow says should barely run by itself. I run an Aurora postage stamp F unit weekly that other than being rather noisy by todays standards runs really well, even at fairly slow speeds. It's fun running the older stuff especially when some folks say I should just put them on a shelf and look at them, but I find it takes more lubing and cleaning and fiddling to keep the old stuff running smooth. Running them often seems to help keep them running well. The old rolling stock runs as well as the new stuff I just bought so far.

Peco 55 is not really code 55 like Atlas or ME is though but it seems like a better look than regular code 80.

[LV LOU]

Yeah he probably had to much rolling stock with older profile wheels, and didn't want to change over. I think it said in the article that the layout was started in 1980?  Having just typed that makes me realize that doesn't matter. I can't think of anything produced in the past three years that wouldn't run on Atlas code 55. I think the European market still uses large flanges, not really sure.

Makes me think, anyone here run N scale equipment from 30 years ago? Maybe somebody can start a poll.

I started modeling and painting in the 70's.I easily have 100 locomotives that are 30 years old or older.My new railroad is all ME C70.I looked at Peco and other track,the higher rail of the ME was better looking than the Peco 55 with the funky ties.The ME is a bear to work with,though..

[peteski]

Old eyes !

You really think that visually the 0.025" makes *THAT* much difference (in laying track or re-railing cars)?

I also keep seeing statements where people think that old equipment will not run on c55. Well, let me repeat: It runs fine on Peco c55 (for the reason I mentioned earlier!)

[SkipGear]

You really think that visually the 0.025" makes *THAT* much difference (in laying track or re-railing cars)?

I also keep seeing statements where people think that old equipment will not run on c55. Well, let me repeat: It runs fine on Peco c55 (for the reason I mentioned earlier!)

PECO C55 has no visual advantage over C80 so it is not a contender in this argument. Measure the rail height on the inside of the rail. Look at the European tie spacing. I bet most people couldn't tell the difference between the two unless you specifically told them what to look for. I know the people running the cash register at our shop struggle seeing the difference.

[wcfn100]

PECO C55 has no visual advantage over C80 so it is not a contender in this argument.

The same can be said for all ME track with wood ties.  Unless you use Atlas c55 or hand lay,  you might as well just use what works best for you and not worry about appearance.

Jason

[SkipGear]

The same can be said for all ME track with wood ties.  Unless you use Atlas c55 or hand lay,  you might as well just use what works best for you and not worry about appearance.

Jason

I'm on the edge of my seat to hear the explanation of this statement.

[LV LOU]

I'm on the edge of my seat to hear the explanation of this statement.

Put me on that list,LOL!! ME C55 looks great,even the C70 I use is far superior to almost anything else.Truthfully,to me,the Atlas looks TOO nice,with the chrome looking frogs,ETC...