Track/switch Questions

[meanjean]

Ok so here are some questions I have. I am expanding my layout and buying new track for the first time since I was 16. (19 years ago)

I have Atlas Code 100 now but I like the Micro Engineering track code 83 (looks more real) and wanted to do the new portion in Code 83 and/or 70. Atlas seems to be cheaper and more readily available for me.

1. I was reading that Atlas Code 83 has brown ties, is that for all Atlas Code 83 or just the newer stuff? Some of the stuff looks like it has black ties in Ebay.

2. Does Atlas Code 83 look similar to Micro Engineering code 83?

3. What’s the difference in a # 4, 6, 8 switches? Turn out angle, degrees? Length?

4. I now have DCC (not yet set up) so what kind of turn outs do I need? And why? What’s DCC friendly mean?

5. Last one, Atlas has several lines of code 83 switches, what’s the difference there? The "snap switch", "the custom line" and the basic "turn out"? I need the one that looks more realistic then code 100 with the black ties. No offense to anyone, but the black code 100 is not what I want on my expansion. I have enough on there already.

 

[GWT&P]

Hey Chad.
I can't answer all your questions, but I might can help a little.

1. Don't know about any old code 83 Atlas track, but all code 83 now has brown ties. Be careful about ebay, sometimes the pictures don't match the descriptions. Email the seller & ask before you bid.

2. I'm not that familiar with Micro Engineering track, but others here are.

3.The switch numbers correspond to the angle of divergence (more or less). A #8 will divert one unit for 8 units in length. A #6, one unit divergence for 6 in length. An Atlas #4 is actually a 4.5 I believe. If I didn't describe this correctly, I'm sure someone else here will help out.

4.Atlas turnouts are good to go as is for DCC. That's all I know about for sure.

5.I'd stay away from the "snap" switches. I have the custom line #6's and #4's.
I went with the code 83 because of the more realistic look and size. If you are going to tie in the code 83 with your code 100, you'll need some transition rail joiners since the height of the rails are different. Someone else may be able to help you with the specifics on using those.

Good luck and keep us posted on you progress.

 

[DaWolf85]

You are right in all you say, GWT&P. I think actually, rather than transition rail joiners, Walthers i believe sells transition tracks which look more realistic and probably work much better than a dropoff in the height of the rail

 

[Mac Loco Works]

Walthers does sell the transition track. I looked in the 2008 reference book and they have code 100 to 83 and 83 to 70 both are 6" long. The price that is in the 2008 book is 5.98ea.

 

[meanjean]

Thanks guys for the reply, thats what I needed to know. I let you know how the progress goes as soon as the wife agrees on my 2009 railroad budget request!