It is hard to believe the choice a model railroader has when it comes to choosing the right track for a layout regardless of the scale. Have there been any threads on this site on the subject of track? Proto track in HO and O scale is now available as many modelers are constructing layouts to fine scale standards. The tinplaters had a wonderful track produced by Lionel before WWII. It was the "T" rail track for O gauge trains. The NYC scale hudson probably looked great running on it. Any chance of members sounding out on which track they consider the best. All scales included of course, even Z. Gads, what a thought... Joe Toth
I think about any HO scale track is good, except for Life like powerlock track. I recommend not getting it. 2 reasons. 1. It falls apart so after a while its unusable 2. They have next to zero selection for pieces. Ethan
I have been modeling for around 50 years, I have always used Atlas code 100 flex track in HO scale. I use it becuase anyone's flanges will run on it. I ballast my track but have not done much weathering as yet.
I'm going to lay my own track with Fast-Tracks. It may take me longer, but I want to enjoy it. Atlas code 83 would be my second choice, but I'm just not as happy with it because the ties are too uniform. For the era I am modeling, uneven and crooked ties were the norm!
I prefer Micro Engineering code 83 weathered. Wish I hadn't used Atlas this go around but it's good enough. I miss the realism of the Micro Eng. products. Some day I'll try handlaying but won't fool with now.
I've been a happy customer of Atlas track, and have been using code 83 for years now (having started out with the code 100, and employing paint & ballast to help hide the rail height). For my new layout, I'm working with ME code 70 flex track to represent the 90-lb. rail seen in Paris. I still have some Atlas N scale code 55, so I may even get a wild hair & try handlaying some HO spurs. Deliberately moving ties to get them crooked, breaking a couple, and painting/weathering the ties & rails should help the code 70 look good.Use a little ballast & apply some ground foam for weeds, and voila'- less-than-pristine track. Of course, it helps that all of my diesels & rolling stock have at least RP25 wheels.
I have had good success with Atlas code 83 and Customline turnouts. Once it's painted and ballasted it looks very good and is indistinguishable from anybody else's track. I have friends in the hobby who complain about competing brands, especially Shinohara, but that seems to have more to do with occasional out-of-stock situations from whatever supplier/retailer they are working with. Another thing: with Atlas 83 you can use code 100 rail joiners, which are cheap, rather than the more expensive code 83 joiners whch are expensive and tight-fitting (which means you are likely to have a hole punched in the end of your thumb before you finish the job). GS
My daughter keeps bugging me to build a small HO layout and acquire a model of the UP diesel that she photographed a few years ago on a train coming into Garrett, Texas, from Ft. Worth, heading for Ennis. My 65 year old eyes and the ten thumbs I have had since birth are against this project. Living in Germany (10,000 mile from home...Texas) I have considered using the new "83 Line" track that Peco has brought on the market. They claim it is "built to North American track standards" and my dealer in Nuremberg (www.modellbahnritzer.de) can get it anytime I need it and he even passes on a 10% discount with the sale. It is made in the UK (Merry Olde England). The late Chester "The Most" Holley carried regular Peco it in his train shop in Tampa, Florida, and swore by it. They even make a copper strip to lay between the track to operate Märklin trains! Any Frisco modelers use the new "83 Line" Code 83 track? I assume they still advertise in MR? If any Frisco members brought home any European models from their vacation across the Big Pond and need parts, etc. Ritzer is the place to look. Rainer Knoch is the present owner and speaks English. I can speak German with a Texas accent but none of y´all want to hear it. You would get a bad case of Ear Rot! Joe Toth
