Hi there! I'm starting this topic because I need some information about code 40 track. -The small layout I'm building (and about which I showed you some pictures a week ago) is made with MTL track and Wright turnouts, all of which beeing made with code 55 rails if I've good informations. -In order to use lighter rails for spurs like the prototype, I'm thinking about code 40 rails, and as I know there isn't any "industrial" manufactured code 40 track, I'm thinking about handlaying for that purpose. So today my question is the following: -are you guys used to using code 40 rails, does it fit with MTL and AZL rolling stock & motive power? -about track laying - I plan to use my MTL gauge for this purpose - what are the possibilities right now? *which brand of tie? *which kind of spikes? - If using spikes, or which way to fix rails to the ties? Thank you for any info, but if nothing practical, no problem, I'll use MTL flex as well..... Dom
I have used Micro Engineering Code 40 rail just fine with Marklin and MTL locos and cars. Since the rail is soldered to the ties, there are no spike heads to get in the way. One guy, David K Smith, uses custom code 25 rail on his layout.
Yeah no spikes. Just place a PC board tie every inch and fill in the rest. Robert made some filler "blocks" but for a small siding you just need some 1/32"x1/32" stripwood. This layout is all code 40: http://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/ZScale This shows it next to MT C55 flextrack: http://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/ZScale/photo#5127957636161819122 You can buy PC ties and ME code 40 rail from Fasttracks. http://www.handlaidtrack.com/z-scale-pc-board-ties-p-2832.php http://www.handlaidtrack.com/rail-accessories-micro-engineering-rail-c-10_875.php
OK guys, thank you so much!:thumbs_up: I'll try the links you put here above, and I'll keep you advised! Dom
oops forgot to say that I also use the MT coupler height gauge to set the gauge of the track when soldering. It may be a bit loose since it is for bigger rail, but I haven't had a problem.
I have also (and still am) hand laid code 40 track and turnouts. I would also recommend the Tie Racks Tie Jigs from Fast Tracks (www.handlaidtrack.com), as it speeds up the process of aligning individual ties. Pictured here is a pile of roughly 10,000 1/32" x 1/32" ties, along with the PC board strips. Once painted, ballasted and weathered, it is hard to tell the PC ties from the wood ones. You can get a 10% discount on any Fast Tracks items, if you use the discount code "edmodels", or use the link provided on my website, listed below. Good luck, and don't forget to post pics of your progress!!
Hello Dom, you can also look here: http://www.aspenmodel.com/ At our moduls we use code 40 track, I`ll post pics soon. Regards Heiko
You're right, Heiko! Thank you very much for the remind! Have you got the # link? I tried to discover it on Aspenmodel's website, but I didn't see any rail code information. All the best, Dom
Thank you so much EDModels! My first loop will be completed shortly, so I'll post a few pictures by then, as well as a youtube link as soon as I have taken a video of a train testing my track! Dom
