On30 track choices?

When I first started trying to do On30, I used Micro Engineering HO track with about 20% of the ties removed and the rest spread out.  Since the narrow gauge track I had seen was California logging railroads the ties were mostly buried in the dirt or roadbed so it looked fine to me.  I was using Athearn HO trucks, which were pretty well hidden under the cars.  I never got to the engine but had planned to use the techniques I had read about in the Railroad Model Craftsmen in the early 1970's.  HO mechanisms with O scale cabs and so on.  For turnouts, I was using Atlas #4's with some of the ties trimmed to give the wider tie spacing. 

 

That was well before Peco and ME offered their On30 track.

 

Greg

 

I also used HO flex track. I removed every other tie. It's not great IMO, both from the standpoint of tie spacing and tie length, but good enough to give a backwoods feel. Next time I'll probably go for either ME or Peco.

 

 

 

Jim

I have used code 100 Peco turn outs and code 100 M E track.  I like the Peco turnouts because they are power routing.  I have not bought any track for a few years, so maybe ME has started producing Code 100 turn outs, if so check them out.

Al

In the past, I have used Atlas HO Code 100, and still have some that I'll likely use on my next On30 pike.  I also have most of a box--minus a section or two--of the Peco On30 flex track, but I'll probably sell that at some point.

I'm leaning toward ME code 83. I can use their turnouts in most spots--I will have to build a few curved turnouts.

 

Any impressions of ME turnouts?

 

Jeff C

IMO, the choice lies in your prototype.  If your setting is European than close tied Peco is the natural.  If Western US prototype then ME would be most in favor if appearance is important.

 

For 0n30 buy your track made on the continent of your model trains.

 

As far as code goes, 83 would look best.  However, being the average half blind club fisted code 148 0 scaler I used code 100 ME.

 

There was a reason I left HO!  Too small is just too small.

 

Kinda funny comment I got from my wife awhile ago.  We got married when I was in #1 scale and 1 1/2" scale then I switched to 0w5 nineteen years ago.  When she saw her first HO model train she asked "What is that?"  When I explained it she responded with "Why even bother?"

 

Not sure of what her response will be with N or Z.  tt

Jim, I thought you were getting close to retirement and waiting for you come to Missouri and see your daughter.

Al

Al,

 

With each new morning, I get closer to retirement, but I am still a couple of years away, by contract with the university.  My daughter gets her PhD in May from Mizzou.  Unfortunately, her graduation and our graduation are the same day ... according to my boss, I get to stay in Tampa.  Such is life ... I'll get out there yet, so we can share some stories,

 

Jim

 

I'm probably going to use Kato Unitrack in most areas, at least initially. I'll ballast and blend in the Unitrack into the scenery (probably in a limited area as a test) and make a judgment as to whether I like it or not.It's a small layout, so I can make changes easily.

 

Jeff C

Jeff, it sounds like a good plan to me.

Al

I'm using ME On30 flex in code 83 with hand built switches. Next I plan to hand lay all of it Nate

I to am very intrested in ON30 track choices? If code 83 was the most accurate for standared gauge HO. Then wouldn't code 100 look better for O scale Or O Narrow gauge?  Gargraves ties also look great as trestle ties on ON30.

Code 100 rail, in O Scale, is about 70 lb rail.  Pretty heavy duty on most narrow gauge lines.  The D&RGW had 75 lb on the heavily traveled routes.

 

ChipR

Thanks Chip.I guess I want to stick with code 100 because I might want to add some peco track to the layout. It seems its only available in code 100

Since I first posted this a couple of years ago, I have added a yard and engine facility and started replacing all of the Peco track with Micro Engineering Code 83 On30 track.  The ties and spacing are correct for American prototype and I am happy with the result.  Only 1 year to retirement and the new J&RG.

These are all very good tips. Things I'll take in concideration when I build my ON30 layout.

www.custmtrax.com hands down. I am surprised so few people are aware of their track.

 

http://www.custmtrax.com/on_30_gauge.html

Jonathan,

     Have track from Custom Trax and just received my switches that I ordered. Nice track/switches.

Bruce

I had never heard of this firm so I immediately checked their site.  In my opinion it is poorly set up.  There are no details about the various scales.  It does not have any photos of the 0n30 track products, such as tie size and spacing and what overall appearance you will get after installation.

 

It was, to me, a turnoff.  It is no longer under consideration as an addition to my present trackage.

 

Tony