Comments on: Code 70, Code 83 and Code 100 Track

By: Paul Pietrak

Paul Pietrak — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:58:56 +0000

I use code 70 because it is more realistic to short line railroading. Q. who makes DCC ready code 70 turnouts??? So far I have to convert regular DC turnouts which is a pain. PaulP marypaulp@aol.com

By: gepaza

gepaza — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:16:44 +0000

Thanks! I greatly appreciate the great input and will go the 83 route.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:03:03 +0000

I personal use all code 83 because there is better and a more diverse assortment of turnouts for that code. I ripped out all the code 100 on my layout because of derailment issues and the narrow assortment of turnouts. Code 70—-just by going in to a store and pulling a turnout off the rack I never have see a code 70 turnouts If at all posible avoid using No4’s on your layout long engines and long trains don’t like them—power all your frogs in the yard so they don’t stall at every switch unless you want to do all you switching at 60mph Good Luck~AlanC.

By: Tank

Tank — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:33:37 +0000

Good question. I thought the different sizes were all good.

Would like to find out also.

DW

By: Ken Malgren

Ken Malgren — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:31:02 +0000

George, it's as much personal preference as anything on which code track you choose. Code 83 rail height is a little closer to the 136 lb rail used on prototype railroad mainlines. Code 70 is a little closer to siding and branch line rail that is a little lighter than mainline rail.

There's nothing wrong with using Code 100 track. Visually, it looks a little larger than prototypical.

I use code 100 rail in staging yards and where the track is less visible, mainly because I have an abundance of it. I use Code 83 on visible mainline and code 70 for sidings and branches. But that's my preference.