Comments on: Replacing Existing Track on an Older Layout

By: Dale

Dale — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:17:29 +0000

Many prototype railroads use smaller code rails for sidings and less used trackage. If it were me, I’d go with code 80 for the mainline and code 55 for the spurs and sidings. As Geoff said, make sure that your equipment’s trucks can run reliably on the smaller code 55 track. You might have to change wheelsets on some cars.

As for the different color ties, you can always paint or weather the track which, when ballasted, could hide the differences.

By: David Stokes

David Stokes — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 03:48:23 +0000

The Peco track sleeper (tie) spacing is a little close for prototypical appearance sor setting the ties a little closer/further to match the Atlas track is no biggy. In Oz many rivett counters cut the plastic between the ties and do this.

As for pointwork, the Peco Electrofrog is a great piece of kit and comes in three sizes (Long, medium and short), and a fully curve version.

Brass track is not just last years, it is a pain to keep clean or to weather so giving it the heave ho is essential.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 02:35:20 +0000

In reply to geoff. Thanks

By: geoff

geoff — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 01:44:19 +0000

Well that’s really a question that’s best answered yourself after working out how many of what type of turnout you need, and then looking online. Both Atlas and Peco have a number of n scale turnouts in both code 55 and 80

If you are going to ballast the track, the appearance of spacing of the ties will not be so obvious as it appears now when comparing the track.

But unless you are going with all new locomotives and rolling stock, you need something that the 50 year old equipment can run on, and that is probably going to be the larger code 80 rail. So if you are using the old equipment, make sure it runs on the rail you now have before doing anything else.

Have fun!