10-13-2010, 01:46 PM
Ditto to what has been said about MicroEngineering track. I bought some on sale at a LHS that was going out of business. Pre-weathered, code 83, sure looks purty but is a devil to get it to flex just the way you want it to. The way the ties are joined from below causes funny kinks here and there and the rail doesn't slide like I want it to. When those pieces are gone I'll be using Atlas code 83 with brown ties exclusively. The ME is beautiful and will be used 'up front' where the tie plate & spike detail may be noticed but once it's gone there'll be no more...unless of course I run across another great deal in which case I may just have to live with the fussy non-flexibility... :? 
Many engines with deep flanges can be ground down by carefully and gently applying a sharp, clean file to the flange while spinning the wheels, with power applied through wires & pickups. Just DO NOT run the engine upside down or all those metal filings will fall right back into the gears & possibly into the open frame motor (if it's an old steamer). Metal filings will scratch and pitt nylon & plastic gears and cause rough performance, even possibly permanant damage to a motor. Lay the engine on its side and work slowly, periodically checking flanges with an NMRA gauge. This way you can run on lighter rail with no trouble.
I understand if it's a modular setting where a variety of equipment will be run this may not be an option...but consider raising your group standards for engines & rolling stock to include performance of all equipment on code 83 track. The lighter rail makes trains look so much heftier and the realism gained is a nice bonus. Any rail, properly gauged and substantially laid, can perform well every time, regardless of code. Why not take an extra step and gain some realism?
Galen
Many engines with deep flanges can be ground down by carefully and gently applying a sharp, clean file to the flange while spinning the wheels, with power applied through wires & pickups. Just DO NOT run the engine upside down or all those metal filings will fall right back into the gears & possibly into the open frame motor (if it's an old steamer). Metal filings will scratch and pitt nylon & plastic gears and cause rough performance, even possibly permanant damage to a motor. Lay the engine on its side and work slowly, periodically checking flanges with an NMRA gauge. This way you can run on lighter rail with no trouble.
I understand if it's a modular setting where a variety of equipment will be run this may not be an option...but consider raising your group standards for engines & rolling stock to include performance of all equipment on code 83 track. The lighter rail makes trains look so much heftier and the realism gained is a nice bonus. Any rail, properly gauged and substantially laid, can perform well every time, regardless of code. Why not take an extra step and gain some realism?
Galen
I may not be a rivet counter, but I sure do like rivets!