HO Track comparison Code 83 vs. 100

[david_in_kansas]

I am still very new to HO Scale....finally got a simple loop running ... I have been reading lots of good ideas here. I am wondering about Code 83 vs. Code 100 HO track...I know the dimensional difference, but was wondering it there is a preferred code ? My local hobby shop has a few of each. Is there any availability or other issues to be aware of ? I am going to obtain some turn outs, switches etc. and was interested before I start buying. Thanks for any insight

 

[wvg_ca]

it's only 0.017 between them .. some say 083 is more realistic, i ran code 100 [it was easier to find on ebay] , and the difference wasn't noticeable to me, or other that saw it

 

[david_in_kansas]

I was concerned about any performance issue....look the same...I even see joiner adapters to adapt ..will probably just stay with code 83..

 

[trailrider]

Aside from appearance, the main performance issue you might run into would be in running some older rolling stock, especially Rivarossi/IHC stuff that had larger diameter flanges, particularly on steam locomotives on Code 83 track and turnouts. Since you are starting out, you can do just fine with Code 83, though there is nothing wrong with Code 100. Lately, I have seen more ads for Code 83, particularly Peko. I think it will depend on what you find available.
Best of luck.

 

[timlange3]

The height of code 83 is prototypical, code 100 is bigger than the most heavy rail. You can probably find more types of track, switches, crossings, and such in code 100. Cars and engines with deeper than normal flanges may bottom out on code 83.

 

[NYC_George]

I think where the different really shows up is on bridges and grade crossing. Code 83 just looks more realistic on these structures. Plus, all the bridge track is code 83.
George

 

[PowrCab]

Another important thing: Do not buy any code 100 if it has brass rail...Brass oxidizes green which does not conduct electricity in turn causing numerous stall outs..This track is a 1950s design. The ties are wrongly black instead of brown, and they are too thick making them also too close together and thus out of scale..
If you are only going to have modern built locos and cars with more in-scale size flanges then go code 83 nickle silver track....

He is incorrect in post #5, sentence #2 ! There are way more track choices today with C83 than earlier C100, ..way more, from the likes of Atlas, Peco, Walthers, Shinohara, ME, Bachmann, etc., some now on simulated ballast, others plain brown-tied track..US, British, Asian, all code 83 sectional, flex, switches (TOs)powered/unpowerd, curved, 3-way, slip/double slip, wye, + crossings of every degree ! ....