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7 Responses to Combining Code 80 and Code 55 Track
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Yes. You must shim smaller rail is same height as larger rail. Also, insure that inside of rail heads are smoothly connected.
Of course Russ. Just make sure that the tops and inner running surfaces of the rails are aligned, the height being the most obvious problem.
There are a number fixes. One is to crush the coupler so that the 55 sits on top of it rather than held by it. This joint is then soldered. Another is to use thick cork to bring them into alignment. The cork can feather down to your usual height away from the joint – about a foot away should do it.
One of the hidden problems is that of wheel profile. Older wagons/locos have deeper flanges and they may ride on the sleepers/ties. This causes a number of issues but the main one is that the locos might lose electrical connection and stall. Changing wagon/car wheels isn’t a biggy, but swapping loco wheels is a pain.
I have read that you would install the track connectors to the larger track leaving the other end of the connectors hanging. Flatten the hanging ends with a needle nose. This gives you something to sit the smaller track on to. Solder the smaller tracks onto the flattened clips. Adjust up or down as needed. Secure the track to your base material, slip shims under the track so the tops are level. Best of luck weth the project. Peter L.
I was able to find a transition track that brought 6 both track to alighnment.
What is the “transition” track called and where can it be found? Jay
I use code 70/83. I make my own transition rails. Code 80/55 is a large transition that will require one heck of a transition. For my transition, it was just smashing half of the rail joiner down and soldering the code 70 rail to the top., You, however, aren’t that lucky. Maybe using shot runs of code 70/75 rail close to your ode 55. A former club member talked me out of using code 55 30 years ago. 3 years ago, helping a “friend” lay track on his layout using code 55 I fully appreciated his words of wisdom
I’ve aligned the rails and all is good. Thank you so much to everyone.