I have lots of old stuff with deep flanges so i was thinking of going with Peco code 55 but is 80 better for operating purposes or will things run as well with their code 55?
* Note: Problems with Code 55 are for Atlas track only. MicroEngineering track does not suffer from this restriction.
Atlas code 80 is widely available at better prices than Peco 55. However, many think Peco 55 looks better. I've seen Peco and it does look great, but I've also seen Atlas code 80 nicely weathered to make it look just as good. Both will do fine with deeper flanged wheels.
oldrk: I would definitely go with code 55, but which code 55? That is up to you. If you can, run a test. Get a board and put down two straight pieces each of Micro Engineering code 55, Atlas code 55, Peco code 55, Peco code 80, ME code 80, kato track, etc. Use the ones you have available or think you might want to use. (Did I miss any?) Ballast and weather them and see which you like best for appearance. You can use electrical jumpers and test some engines, too. When you decide which to use, make a test track with turnouts and practice, practice, practice with some engines. You will eventually decide which track type is best for you. Definitely do not rush into anything. Make your own decision and take your time. "This hobby is supposed to take a lot of time; no need to rush anything." (Dick Billings) I use Peco streamline code 55 electrofrog. It looks ok and is very sturdy. Atlas code 55 was not made at the time; ME was not available in sufficient quantity at the time. I wanted the lower profile track; that was important to me. Are you DCC? That is another issue for the turnouts, I think, and might be another consideration. As PSG says, "Have fun and run steam," or, in other words, take your time!
When faced with the same decision a few years ago, I picked Atlas code55 based on the following reasons. I wanted a more realistic looking US prototype track, so that ruled out all code80 and Peco code55. While the Peco code55 is well made and is the most “bullet proof” constructed of the code55 tracks, I did not like the European tie spacing that it represents. Micro Engineering code55 probably looks a little better than the Atlas (though that is subjective) and it does not have the flange issues that Atlas code55 does. Two things turned me off of it. First was cost, it is almost 60% higher priced than the Atlas (street price ME= $1.30/ft, Atlas= $0.82/ft. When I added up the difference, I figured it was much cheaper to buy low profile wheels for my rolling stock. The only Locos that I had flange issues with were some old Life-Like diesels (My LL steamers were fine) and it was just a matter of chucking the axle in a drill and sanding down the flanges a little. Second was availability. I have been in at least 40 different hobby shops in the last few years that carry N scale stuff and I have yet to see one that carries the ME track, but at least half of them had at least a little bit of the Atlas in stock. The one thing that may change soon is the Peco track. They are rumored to be releasing a US prototypical track in the future. If it is as well made as their current stuff, but looks as good as the Atlas and ME track it may be worth a look, but availability can be an issue with it also. Operational issues aside, it basically comes down to what looks best to you, it’s your layout, as long as you enjoy it, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
I think the key is in your question oldrk, since you do have a collection of "legacy" equipment - Peco 55 most likely will be the best choice of the available code 55 systems. Since it is designed for the european market which typically has larger flange standards, you will not run into any interference problems. When weathered and ballasted it has great appearence, and the tie spacing really only becomes noticeable when put alongside a "finer" spaced track such as ME or Atlas. Peco 55 currently has the greatest variety of turnouts and crossings as well as good availability at most N scale dealers. For me to convert several hundred MT cars and MT truck equipped cars to lo pro wheels, assuming 50 cents to a buck apiece would be enough to buy a couple hundred feet of Peco track at etailer prices more than enough for an averaged sized layout. As stated above it has been rumored for some time that Peco is considering a US version of their 55 track.
You can easily get a list of parts using a free and simple cad program such as XTrkCAD. The big guys all ship ME track quick, usually three days and it's on your door step. Realistically, I've never had to run out to a hobby shop that fast for something I didn't already knew about. www.sillub.com Just make sure to request that any flex track is wrapped in celophane along it's ENTIRE length, else it will be damaged in shipment!
