From Unitrack to code 55 trackage I have begun to build my own N scale version of the Wisconsin Southern layout that MR did a series on in the beginning of 2008. I have a good selection of unitrack, including 8 turnouts. So I decided to to use that to build the layout. I have chosen to eliminate (for now) a few turnouts and also used a few of my old code 80 Atlas turnouts. Now these turnouts are old, and they have not been well cared for, thus they need replaced soon. I am using 4 of them on my layout. My layout is in my basement, and I am planning on expanding it around the walls.. I really have no issues with the unitrack, other than it is expensive. But I feel I would be better served expanding with code 55 track. SO should I finish what I have started, with unitrack? OR start over with code 55. I'm asking because this weekend, Nov.1-2, there is a train show coming. I will either buy two more unitrack turnouts or buy low profile wheel sets. Also, can you use code 80 and code 55 track together? I'm asking so I could buy some code 55 track ans still be able to run my layout. You know, replace sections at a time but until I can afford to buy more. In the attached pic, I have marked my current turnouts with an A for Atlas and N for need (or non-existant). So far the layout is fun to operate, but it I am ready to either restart or cahnge out the atlas turnouts.
IMHO... If you have a good selection of Unitrack already...I would use that...and buy more as you go. To replace the amount of Unitrack you already have with equal amounts of C55 track and trackbed...I just dont see any sense in the added expense. I dont use Unitrack but have heard some good stuff about it...especially here on trainboard. Like I say...JMHO
If you are on that short of a timeline, I would leave whatever you have built and go with it. You can join different types of track. There are several different methods. I happen to use the file method, but some people would probably think that barbaric. There are also c55 to c80 rail joiners. I would probably be using Unitrack if it weren't for the expense and if it didn't sit so high on that plastic ballast piece. That stuff seems bulletproof. I think if you were to try and hastily re-do your layout now with c55 you'd end up with a bunch of unfortunate trackwork and regret it. Just my US$.02.
Ultimately it's up to you - that's the hard part. If you are contemplating C55 then there is a reason other than cost (you could just go to C80 Atlas). Regardless here are my two cents... As SteamDonkey stated there are C55 to C80 joiners available. The other thing you can do is slide a C80 joiner onto C80 rail, crimp the exposed half flat with a pair of pliers, then rest the C55 rail on top - should be near perfect. You can solder the joint for good alignment and continuity of the rail. As long as the head of the rail lines up, you can mix codes all you want. One thing to weigh is the expense of unitrack vs the expense of the low-pro wheels. Track is gonna cost you money regardless, but figure it all out and add it up. How much is the roadbed, ballast, switch machines (ground throws or remotes or whatnot) going to cost if you switch to C55 vs. the unitrack which is an all-in-one package? If you want to keep what you have I would replace the old Atlas turnouts with unitrack. Just makes things a lot easier in those areas so you don't have a lot of rail size changes over a turnout. You can then switch to the C55 for your new expansion if you want. On the other hand you could rip out all the unitrack and eBay it, starting over with C55. The unitrack should bring decent money in to finance your track purchases. Like I said at the beginning, this is your choice. The real question you have to answer for yourself is "Why am I contemplating C55?" The answer will hopefully lead you the way you want to go.
Thanks everyone for the fast replies. I think I will complete this layout with my unitrack and when I do expand my empire, then I will look at making a change to Code 55. (I forgot about the added expense of switch machines/ground throws added to the mix) Of course, if I had any real modelling skills, I could probably weather and detail my unitrack to look even better. (I like the way it looks out of the box). I've seen pictures of "weathered" unitrack that looked great. Add a little ballast to the sides, and I guess I could be very pleased. Sometimes, I just need to take a step back and ask other people their opinions. Mainly because my wife is tired of me asking her. lol.
I'm becoming a bigger and bigger fan of Unitrak, and may one day build my dream layout with it. To me, it takes all the hassle out of tracklaying, and as my primary goal is to run trains and not get wacky about all the little details, it's worth it.
I've used Unitrack for nine years building the JJJ&E which is now 10x15' on multiple levels. The Unitrack has been completely weathered and ballasted. The Unitrack turnouts are very reliable and Unitrack is "bullet proof" and there are few problems during operations. My new around the room layout which I will start in February when my new house in Texas is ready will also be a Unitrack layout.
Unitrak is not really that much more expensive when you consider the reusable nature of it. Think about it. How much track would you have available if you had originally used code xx with cork? How much more would you have to be buying if you had not used Unitrak? I have "built" 3 layouts each with many variations each using the same Unitrak over and over and over.
