which do you prefer - code 80 or 55

I will be starting my second layout soon and i am caought between atlas code 80 and 55. my current layout is all 80.

 

For c80 switches I'd advise going with Peco as they are very reliable. C55 I only have had the Atlas so I cannot compare ot the other brands.

I would say that you can hear all the pro's and cons but your best bet is to build a small tester ovaland experiment. Maybe just get a 2x4 board and lay some of each and compare the look.

 

I use only C80. I've never had any problems. I don't care to much about scale appearance, if you paint the rails it doesn't look all that bad.

 

C80 here, with Peco switches. Never have any problems. We are in it for the fun not to have everything in scale and look like the real thing.

 

I used Atlas code 80 for 35+ years never had a problem. Switched to Atlas code 55 on my last two layouts, still never had a problem. After seeing what my layouts look like with the code 55 compared to my old code 80 ones, I will never go back to it. To the naked eye, as opposed to the close up camera lens, once the rails are weathered the rail height or "code" difference is not all that noticeable (it is noticeable in close-up photos), but I find the tie size and spacing are very noticeable even to the unaided eye.

 

Having a large collection of legacy equipment and MT cars Peco 55 is the right choice for me

 

Atlas code 55 for Me
But..... I just picked up some ME code 55 concrete ties and they look Sweet!!!!

 

My present layout is Atlas code 80 track with Atlas code 80 turnouts, Peco code 80 and code 55 turnouts, and Shinohara Code 70 turnouts. If I had to do it over again I would use Peco Code 55 track just because it looks a bit beeter but will still mate with Code 80. Been thinking about tearing up parts of the mainline and replacing them with Peco code 55.

 

My last layout was C100 (I think) or C80. I ain't gettin' the micrometer out at this late date. I'm building a small test track now with atlas C55. It sure looks nice...If I need to do some conversions of rolling stock (and I will) to lower profile wheels then I will. Don't know yet what I'll do about my older locos...

Code 55 for me all the way!

 

Just layed out a ME c40 wye for the section @ Fields on my layout. c40 is being used on secondary trackage and c55 on mainlines and passing sidings.



Got the switches made & installed, now working on the c55 main & passing siding & ballast.

Additional progress photo's will be on the railimages site —

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/rickdaniels

The c55 and c40 really work well together in this manner and look really good.

 

Needless to say I voted for Kato. With my vision while I do admire and reconize the visual of c50 I just don't' need it.

That said, some day I might do a diarama using c50 to display my rolling stock etc....

 

Atlas c55. I had some legacy issues, but then looked at what my fleet would be once I completed the new layout. That was 3.5 years ago. In trying to think of the legacy locos I really miss, it's only the PRR 2-10-0 I3, misplaced cylinders and all. I don't miss the 4-6-2 K4s at all. Nor the GG-1. Nor the Minitrix 0-6-0, Atlas 0-4-0 shifter, nor anything smaller. Pretty much everything else that I valued ran on Atlas c55. My loco fleet is vastly larger today than it was in 2002, so my loss my minimal.

Yeah, I had to convert a lot of cars--but that fleet has expanded also, so the conversion back then isn't so painful today.

 

I have thrown away all the code 80 (Minitrix, Roco, Fleischmann) and converted to Peco 55. It looks great, more realistic, and it is not more expensive than the other brands. No more code 80 for me!

 

Most of my code 80 will be cut up into NTRAK sectional joiners .

 

You forgot to add ME code 40 on the poll. I'm planning on Atlas code 55 with ME code 40 sidings. Unfortunately there are clearance issues with LL diesels.

 

Peco code 55 at Melbourne, Aust. train station.


Seriously, I was shocked when I saw the picture. It clearly shows the increased tie spacing of the European style ties.

 

Code 80 for me. I have a lot of old equipment and never run into trouble this way.

Russ

 

Due to lousy eyesight, rerailer dependancy, and the inability to lay N scale track sqaurley (due to bad eyesight), it's Kato Unitrack for me.