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Track Codes
Jim has a question for readers about track codes and asks:
“I had a model RR many yrs ago, I am 70 and starting over. My question is, why the different codes for track? Is one better than the other? Does prototype have these codes? Is it important to my n scale opperation? Thank you to anyone who can help me.”
To help Jim you can add your thoughts by using the green comments link below.
2 Responses to Track Codes
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Hi Jim, Its great to start over. I did about 2 or 3 years ago. I am 57 now and its like being a kid again, remember start haveing fun again!!! The codes are really your choise or what age your locomotives and rolling stock are. I am also modeling in “N” scale with some old and new stock and I like the code 80 track because it can handle any loco old or new. The code 55 is closer to the real thing, proto type, but some locos will not run on them. If you want to see the differences visually go to your local hobby shop that deals mostly in model RR and see for yourself, compare side by side. The differences are so small to me it does not matter. I am not the perfect modeler as long as it looks good, and it does, and I can enjoy this hobby with out going crazy. By the way go to some of the old discussions on this site there is a lot of ideas, and you can also get Roberts book for complete info on all subjects. Tony P
The different track codesis the differance in the hight of the rail. Code 83 means it is .083 high and code is .100 high. Code 83 is more prototypical than code 100. Atlas has more on this go to their web site http://www.atlasrr. and go the track section on the site and click on the FAQ under track ant it will tell you more.