Home Page  │ Online Store │ News and Events │ Blog │ Downloads │ Digital Command │ Resources │ Just for Kids │ Photo Gallery │ Links │ Contact Us

 

Model Railroad Track:

 

 

Introduction:

 

Modern model railroad track of all scales is of good quality and is normally constructed out of nickel silver with plastic ties for N, HO and O scales.  Large scale (G) track can be constructed of other materials such as brass, aluminium or stainless steel. The main reason for this is the fact that large scale trains can be used outdoors, and the aluminium and stainless ranges of track withstand the weather.

 

There are various types of track available on the market, from set track, flex track and even track with a pre formed roadbed.  These types of track all have advantages and disadvantages of which we will discuss later in this article.

 

Literally, the code of a piece of track is the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch (meaning N scale code 80  HO scale code 83 rail is .083" high; HO scale code 100 rail is .100" high).

 

 

ATLAS N SCALE TRACK SYSTEM:

N Scale Code 55:

 

Atlas' N scale Code 55 track was designed with the scale modeler in mind. Featuring simulated brown ties and a lower rail profile than N scale Code 80 track, Atlas' N scale Code 55 track is quickly becoming a favorite of N scale modelers everywhere. As with all Atlas track products, you can expect durability, flexibility and reliability with the N scale Code 55 track.

 

 

N Scale Code 55 also comes in flex track.

 

 

N Scale Code 80:


 

Atlas' popular line of N scale Code 80 track is well known for its high quality and durability. With black ties and nickel silver rail, Atlas' N Scale Code 80 Track is sturdy, reliable, and looks great on any layout. The Code 80 line is very extensive and includes the popular Snap-Track, Snap-Switches, Super-Flex Track and more.

N Scale Code 65 True Track:

 

The latest addition to Atlas' highly regarded track line comes with Code 65 rail, which is smaller than similar track currently on the market, enhancing the track's scale look while at the same time allowing most equipment to operate flawlessly. With tie spacing matching US prototype, mottled highlights and dark brown ties and simulated ballast roadbed.

Atlas N Scale Track Summary:
 

  • N Code 80 (Black Ties/Nickel Silver Rail) - Basic Line

  • N Code 65 (True-Track - Dark Brown Ties/Nickel Silver Rail) Beginners Track

  • N Code 55 (Brown Ties/Nickel Silver Rail) - Modeller's Track

How many pieces of Atlas N Scale track do you need for a circle?

Radius Curve No. of Pieces
Atlas N Scale Code 55
10" Radius Curve 16
11.25" Radius Curve 16
12.5" Radius Curve 16
13.75" Radius Curve 16
15" Radius Curve 16
16.25" Radius Curve 16
17.5" Radius Curve 16
18.75" Radius Curve 16
20" Radius Curve 16
21.25" Radius Curve 16
30.609" Radius Curve 32
71" Radius Curve 44 + 4.25" straight
Atlas N Scale Code 80
9 3/4" Radius Curve 12
11" Radius Curve 12
19" Radius Curve 24

 

KATO N SCALE UNI-TRACK SYSTEM:

 

N Scale Code 80 Uni-Track:

 

Uni-Track can be used in nearly any layout situation - large or small, permanent or temporary. Uni-Track can be the answer for the beginner looking for a trouble-free introduction into model railroading without the frustration and disappointment of rail and electrical problems. Uni-Track also meets the needs of advanced hobbyists, providing superior quality to an entire layout or the flexible solution to the ever-changing "staging yard."

 

 

 

PECO N SCALE TRACK SYSTEM:

 

Streamline Code 80 Flex track:

 

STREAMLINE - Code 80 Flexible Trackage System
TRACK, Code 80 nickel silver rail
Ref
Description
SL-300
SL-302		 Wooden sleeper type, 914 mm length
Concrete sleeper type, 914 mm length

 

Universal Code 55 Flex Track:

 

UNIVERSAL FINE CODE 55 FLEXIBLE TRACKAGE SYSTEM

TRACK, Code 55 nickel silver rail

Ref

Description

SL-300F
SL-302F

Wooden sleeper type, nickel silver rail, 914 mm
Concrete sleeper type, nickel silver rail, 914 mm

 

 

 

ATLAS HO SCALE TRACK SYSTEM:

 

Code 83 & Code 100 Sectional Track:

 

The significant difference in Atlas brand HO sectional track lies in the physical appearance of the two types of track. Atlas Code 83 track has fine, brown ties whereas Code 100 has slightly thicker black ties (As depicted in the picture below). Because of its accuracy (and the colour of the ties), Code 83 is more prototypical, and therefore more realistic than Code 100. Code 83 is known as a finer-scale track, and is the choice of discerning modellers.

Code 83 True-Track:

The Atlas brand of roadbed track is called True-Track. True-Track contains a section of Code 83 track, snapped into a gray, gravelled roadbed base. It is easy to assemble and can be set up just about anywhere because it does not need to be secured to a board.

 

True-Track is more versatile than other types of roadbed sectional type track because the track can be removed from the roadbed and used separately. This gives you options. For example, as you grow into the hobby you may decide you want to ballast your own track. With True-Track, you can do just that.

 

Atlas HO Track Summary:

  • HO Code 100 (Black Ties/Nickel Silver Rail) - Basic Line

  • HO Code 83 (Brown Ties/Nickel Silver Rail) - Modellers Track

  • HO True-Track Code 83 (Roadbed w/Code 83 track) - Beginners

How many pieces of Atlas HO track do you need for a circle?

Radius Curve No. of Pieces
HO Code 100 & 83
15" Radius Section 12
18" Radius Section 12
22" Radius Section 16
24" Radius Section 16

 

 

PECO HO SCALE FLEX TRACK SYSTEM:

 

Peco HO Scale Code 83:

 

OO/HO STREAMLINE - Flex Track
'83 LINE' THE CODE 83 NORTH AMERICAN FLEXIBLE TRACKAGE SYSTEM TRACK (CODE 83)

Ref

Description
SL-8300 Wooden sleeper type, nickel silver rail

 

Peco HO Code 100:

 

THE UNIVERSAL CODE 100 FLEXIBLE TRACKAGE SYSTEM
TRACK (CODE 100)

Ref

Description
SL-100
SL-102
SL-102B		 Wooden sleeper type, nickel silver rail 914mm
Concrete sleeper type, nickel silver rail 914mm
Concrete sleeper type, brass rail 914mm

 

We will be adding additional information about various track products and manufacturers in the future.  Check back often for updates and additional information.

 

Home Page  │ Online Store │ News and Events │ Blog │ Downloads │ Digital Command │ Resources │ Just for Kids │ Photo Gallery │ Links │ Contact Us

 Copyright © 2008 - 2010.  Hobby Junction