The Code Wars

Which track code should you choose? Which one is the best? I am going to share with you my opinions on some of the tracks I have used for both my HO and N scale layouts.

In HO I have used Atlas code 100 and Atlas code 83 track. In N I have used Peco code 80 and Atlas code 55. Code 100 and 80 rails are slightly taller than code 83 and 55, so it is not perfectly prototypical. This height difference is hardly noticeable unless you like to rivet count. People that look at your layout will not know the difference. To them your layout will still look amazing. Code 100 and 80 can also save you money while looking great.

Codes 100 and 80 track are slightly cheaper than codes 83 and 55 in price. You can also buy codes 100 and 80 turnouts that can be hand thrown, versus codes 83 and 55 where you will probably need a 20 dollar switch motor per turnout. To me, hand throwing your switches lets you interact more with your layout's operations. There is a downside with this option, though. You will need to be very careful in case there are trees or buildings around the switch. If you don't pay attention you could accidentally rip something out. But, as with actually working in rail operations, caution is always key to great operations.

The larger tracks can save you money when going to train shows. With these codes you won't have to worry if the used car you just bought has large wheel flanges. This allows you to just put the car on your layout and watch it go. On Code 83 and Code 55, if the flanges are too big they will run over the ties on these tracks and cause a very annoying sound. The only way to fix this is to purchase a new set of wheels for whatever car you bought, ruining that great price you paid for it.

Finally, codes 100 and 80 seem much easier to connect via rail joiners than codes 83 and 55. This saves you time and your fingers. I have cut up my fingers a few times trying to get codes 83 and 55 rail joiners on. These smaller codes are harder to slide onto the rail, and trying to force them on cuts up your fingers or possibly messes up the joiner. I will choose code 100 and code 80 for future projects in model railroading.