Here is a link to the paint. http://www.joesmodeltrains.com/rusty_rails_custom_flat_acrylic_paint.htm By the way I got mine at Engine House Hobbies in Wichita. Bob
I used the Floquil Paint Pens on my track (Tie Brown and Rail Brown), and I'm quite satisfied with the results. Works very well with the code 80, 55 and 40 track I'm using. Add some ballast, a little ground foam, and voila- a secondary line that has, to be honest, seen better days (in other words, prototypical for where I'm modeling).
I was gonna use code 83 on my layout, but with the buying on ebay, I ended up with code 100. Granted it look's really big for a branch line, but it will work for now. If I ever go to a "shelf" type of arrangement I might go to code 70 because it would look more prototypical. PS: I think I have the curve layed out to where my 60' cars with work. It's just a matter of adding a screw in between the first ans second ties to hold it in place while I bend it. now I just need to cut it...
She Who Must Be Obeyed...in other words, my wife. Who really is supportive of my hobby...if only it wasn't so messy! Glenn (the slinger of slang) in Tulsa
To all - a great discussion for an interesting question. In the old club layout in Mexico, MO to which I formerly belonged, Atlas Code 100 flex was the standard. Indeed, once it was painted (rail and ties) with effective ballast, properly-contoured roadbed and sub-roadbed, it tended to effectively blend it. On less-frequently used sidings, even effective use of tie-spacing (removing every third or fourth tie and spreading them out a bit) helped overcome the visual incongruity of Code 100 flextrack on a team track or grain elevator siding. Borrowing liberally from Allen McClelland's oft-printed philosophy, it was certainly "good enough." Rick makes a very good point, vis-a-vis that any poorly-laid track will cause problems and result in much swearing from your track gangs. However, I have read that vertical deflections tend to be minimized somewhat with Code 100. That said, consdering the lack of climate control in our garage and the obvious cost considerations, we'll be going with code 100 on our Columbia, MO Northern Division. Of course, when the time is right for me to model the River Division's Caruthersville Branch, I'd ultimately like to try handlaying track! (this may elicit a few more responses!
Right on, Chris. I will try handlaying track on my next module. It wont have any turnouts so it should be easy enough. Bulk rail sure is expensive. I can only find large quantities for sale. : (
I have laid my main line with Atlas Code 83 and have sidings in using Micro Engineering Code 70. I know MR and others promote using smaller Code for sidings, even going down to 55. But to tell you the truth my old eyeballs can't really tell much difference between Code 83 and Code 70 and I'm not sure it is worth the effort to round up and pay for Code 70. Just my opionion, I'm sure others may have different views. John
The main portion of the layout at the Ozark Model Railroad Association (OMRA) in Springfield uses Code 100 track from the Monett yard to Fort Smith yard. The inner portion, which includes Harrison, Eureka Springs, and Berryville, use Code 55. This portion is not used too much because right now there are "dead" spots in the track at different spots and they had a lot of cars that had too big of flanges on the wheels, which sound like they are derailed, but they are not. The last time I visited the club, I noticed that most or all of the rolling stock had their wheel sets replaced with metal ones. Also, some of the club's locomotives have a hard time navigating the smaller rails, especially at turnouts. Once they get the electrical bugs worked out on this portion of the layout, it will run smoother here.
RE: OMRA. A few weeks ago I was visiting my kids in Springfield MO (my son, daughter and daughter in law attend BBC there), while I was checking my email on their computer a local newspaper article came up regarding the OMRA. Since, returning home I have not been able to find it online. It would be appreciated if someone that may have seen it could post the link here. If it has already, forgive my oversight. I'm too tired to dig at the moment. Thanks, Craig
Is this the article you were talking about? ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=219601 Bob Wintle Parsons Ks.
