'Shall we rip up track?'

MVP Nov 7, 2018

  1. MVP

    MVP TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks. I know all my older stuff has not been updated to low-profiles. But I'm pretty sure all the newer stuff is LP. But I'll probably go with the Code 55 just to be safe.
     
  2. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    not sure about using Pizza Cutters on code 55. This change might be just what you need to get you to convert all your stuff to LP wheels.

    But beware, the next step will be all body mounted couplers.
     
  3. MVP

    MVP TrainBoard Member

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    Nearly all my train running is with the Civil War era stuff, which I think is all low profile wheels and body-mounted couplers.
     
  4. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    Things are getting better and better. Next thing will be building your own code 40 turnouts. Not as hard as you might think.
     
  5. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    Fast Tracks makes it easy to make all the turnouts, whether it is using their jigs or using the templates and laying them out on paper.....
     
  6. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    When I see that you are wanting the flex because you prefer the appearance of the ties but aren't concerned with the height of the code 70 track, I see a potential troubling pitfall you should consider.

    Given time, will you also feel about the rail as you now feel about the ties? Maybe you should consider code 55 more seriously. Cost to do it now will be only a bit more than code 70 at worst, but going through the same process again will more than double your cost.
     
  7. MVP

    MVP TrainBoard Member

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    Since the Micro-Engineering switches are so scarce, do I really have any other options? I mean, I'm looking for the appearance of ME along with reliability. I know Peco switches are near-bulletproof, but I'm concerned of the tie spacing. And as much as Atlas is nice and affordable, with decent looks, I've heard they're not as reliable. I want to start on the track replacement process, but dont' really want to do anything until I have the switch situation settled.

    And yes, I'm planning on going DCC soon after the new track is down, so I'll need switches that are ready to go DCC.
     
  8. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    I've been doing logging and T-TRAK modules with Peco C55, and that's using very slow speed gearhead locomotives and track that is essentially buried in dirt, so the ties are covered up to and beyond the tie tops (no roadbed).
    I'm a big fan if it for the following reasons:
    1) Incredibly durable, and these are portable modules that get some rough handling
    2) Wide assortment of switches and geometry
    3) Electrofrog options on a lot of components
    4) Compatibility with C80 components like the tight Peco SLI switches, various code 80 crossings and specialwork
    5) finger thowover on the switches, switchstands can be ornamental and cosmetic or modified to a ground throw if you want.
    6) General compatibility with everything from Kato Unitrack to vintage C80 to current Atlas C55 if you grind the bottom of the rail off with an abrasive disk to make the connection.
    7) No problems with flanges, ever. If you want to turn 'em, great, if not, who cares.

    It's going to look pretty ugly if you DON'T paint and scenic the track. But if you do, it's astounded me how good Peco C55 really looks.
    http://www.randgust.com/PRRBAG07.jpg

    I'm running my Atlas 4-4-0 through Peco SLI's (those absurdly tight switches) although it's really pushing it. I made several modifications to mine to improve performance including adding a custom-made cast cab weight, a tender weight, another set of truck pickups, and hot-wiring the tender to the locomotive. No more problems with erratic pickup, it's a honey.

    For small steam, it's all about pickup. Whatever option you pick, make sure either the frogs are hot or really short like the SLI's, and the points are built to function long-term electrically. And if regular DC is fussy on pickup, DCC will elevate the problem fivefold.
     
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  9. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    +1. I am in the process of building a new layout and changing to all Peco C55 for track and switches. I will use ME bridge track on unballasted brides. Consistency is the rule here. If everything looks the same then nothing looks out of place or odd. But mix ME track with Atlas or Peco switches and the difference is readily noticeable.
     
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