I build my H0n3 module Salina with code 55 and code 40 rails. Here're pictures with both sizes. The track in the foreground is laid with code 40 rail, the turnout and main track has code 55 and the background again code 40. The straight track is code 55, all other tracks code 40. Wolfgang
That's great work, both track and car. I am always impressed with your creative ability. Looking at your photos, I think the Code-40 rail better represents narrow gauge track than the Code-55 rail. Code-40 is 6.4 scale inches (~16.3 cm) tall, or approximately 110 pound rail, which I believe was the heaviest rail used by narrow gauge lines. Whereas Code-55 is 8.8 scale inches (~22.4 cm) tall, larger than the 134 pound rail used on most Class-1 mainlines in the US. It is possible that a few narrow gauge lines used 134 pound rail for convenience at locations where they interchanged with standard gauge lines that used 134 pound rail, but this is an assumption.
Since Wolfgang is modeling in HOn3, the actual scale height for C40 rail is just under 3.5" and C55 comes in at almost 4.8". I have to agree, though, that the track and model look great!
Thank you for the nice words. I want to show that code 40 is not difficult to use. And it looks good. We have in our group for standard gauge code 70 and code 55 for narrow gauge. So I wanted for lighter / older rails code 40. And it's a new challenge to build turnouts. But with some experience - you have always to start - it's not a problem. Wolfgang
Wolfgang, When you use that small, 40 gauge rail, do the flanges of the wheel-sets clear the ties without any problem? Thanks. Bill
Bill, with RP 25 for narrow gauge roster there's no problem. I didn't operate the module but I did run - test run - some cars. No problem. Wolfgang
