Atlas PECO-Walthers

I use code 83 track on my layout which is primarily Atlas Code 83, but have some PECO and Walthers Code 83 track mixed in for special situations.

I currently utilize all Caboose ground throws but cut a small slot under all of my turnouts when I install them so I can convert to remote control of the turnout at some future date.

Ground Throw not required

With the Peco switches you don't need a ground throw. The Peco turnouts have a stiff spring in the throw mechanism that holds the points tightly in place. Simply use your finger or an uncoupling tool (ie bamboo skewer) to throw the turnout.

-Trevor

You need to check Peco and Atlas track for comparison.

The Atlas is code 83 which has a rail height from the bottom of the base of the rail to the top of the rail of 0.083 inch.  If Peco is code 80, it should have a height of 0.080 inch for the same measurement.  For smooth running, the tops of the rail at the joint must be smooth when you run your fingers over the joint in both directions. 

Two other things to check.  #1- The code give you the rail height, but there is no standard for the thickness of the base of the rail.  If the thickness of the base of the rail is different between the two brands, The joiners designed for the thicker base may be too loose on the thinner base and the joiner designed for the thinner rail, may be too tight to fit the thicker rail.  #2- Check the thickness of the ties.  There is no standard for the thickness of the tie strips under the rail.  If one tie strip is thicker than the other, it can be corrected by turning the rail upside down and using a sanding block on the bottom of the tie strip to make them even. 

If the rail height is different on the two types of rail, but the tie strip is thicker on the rail that is thinner, the tops of the rail may line up.  That is the thing that is critical for reliable running.

Both ATLAS code 80 and PECO

Both ATLAS80 and PECO80 are N gauge track.  They can be mixed with no problem. The joiners are not a perfect fit, but the ATLAS joiners , which are slightly wider than the PECO, fit good enough. The ATLAS and PECO track will also work with other brands of code 80 N gauge track. PECO55 N gauge track can be mixed with code 80 track since it is actually code 80 but designed in a way that makes it look smaller.

ATLAS code 83 and PECO code 83 which are both HO gauge.  They also work together.

I just read where if I'm

I just read where if I'm using the Peco code 80 medium turnouts with an electric frog on a DCC system, I'll have to 'cut' the track to get the trains to run smoothly. Any ideas on what that means? Also, if Peco turnouts aren't the way to go, are their any other suggestions out there. I want to use ground throws and stay away from the large, cumbersome turnouts that Atlas makes. I'm trying to stay with Atlas code 80 for the rest of the layout because I have a decent supply on hand. It's only the turnouts I'm trying to figure out.

Thanks-Tim

Discussion of wiring PECO80

Discussion of wiring PECO80 electrofrog here:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/15934

Simply :    Electrofrog turnouts, are designed to work with current  fed from the point end.  Current  reaching the frog from the frog end will cause a short.  A gap is required between the frog and the current source.  This is true for both DC and DCC. 

Peco & Atlas compatability

I'm in the process of building a new N Scale layout using Peco code 80 flextrack and #6 turnouts, along with salvaged Atlas track and turnouts from the old layout. I have had no problems whatsoever in combining the two brands. The only issue I've had is that the Peco connectors are a tighter fit for the rails of the Atlas track and take a little effort to slide them on. But with designing a tool just for this purpose, I saved my finger tips from "slider abuse". Hope this helps.

Peco & Atlas

Our club has used Peco turnouts with Atlas flextrack on both our HO (12 yrs.) and N scale (3 yrs.) layouts.  We used insulfrog turnouts and operate with DCC with no frog related electrical issues.  I cannot speak to electrofrog turnouts but Peco's website is helpful--helpful enough to know insulfrog turnouts were easier!

I use Peco insulfrog turnouts with Atlas flex track on my own N scale layout.

As for compatibility, just make sure the two are the same "code" size, i.e., Code 100, Code 83, etc.  As "lost cranes" said above, you will find that putting rail joiners on Peco turnouts are more difficult.