Code 100?

Who is using code 100 these days anyway?

Well... er... um...  Hi, I'm

Well... er... um...  Hi, I'm Milt, and I use Code 100.

Well actually, I finished the bottom layer of the layout in Code 100 because I already had a bunch left over from the prior layout.  It meant that I did have to buy more to finish.

The top level is Code 83 (and lighter) and is closer to the eye (more scrutiny).  I reasoned that looking "down" at the Code 100 would help hide its over-sized profile.

'works so far.

YUP

Me too, I have 2 MDC loco kits that I run and they definitely like the larger size rail. With painting and ballast it is hard to see the difference unless you look for it. My yard is code 83 and they are under a do not enter order. Going through turnouts is a bit bumpy.

Jack

Everything runs

I'm also Code 100. Price is

I'm also Code 100. Price is generally right. I have plenty of it for most of my needs already and I can get a lot of used stock in good condition. 

When I run HO I use code 100

I'm primarily in S now using code 100.  But I like to set up test loops for my HO trains some of which have the old deep flanges.  So I use code 100.  Also use it for my On30.

Enjoy

Paul

Staging.....

I have a couple of Atlas code 100 turnouts lying around so I thought I'd use code 100 for my somewhat small staging yard  that will be located on a shelf above my workbench.

Michael

Bachmann's motives

Given Bachmann's involvement in On30, and the fact that code 100 doesn't look so out of place in O scale, that may be the reason for their decision to start with code 100.  I wonder if they'll start making other sizes as well, eventually?  I also wonder if the street prices will be as far below the list price as is the case for their rolling stock?

Code 100 anonymous

hello, my name is Bill and I use code 100 too.

I have 527 ft of the atlas stuff laid, It was a budget consideration for me.

Me too.   I have some 83 but

Me too.   I have some 83 but boy with my eyes it's hard to see any difference.

I will be using Code 100

I am building a layout for operations.  I want reliability. I need a lot of track. I am using Code 100. The look after painting and ballasting doesn't bother me a bit.  Honestly, I barely notice any scenery when operating. 

Randy

83-70-55

My I use Code 83 on mains, Code 70 on runarounds and yard tracks, with Code 55 on the ends of spurs and yard tracks. In the future I would definitely consider Code 100 in staging areas for the right price.

code 100

Pricey

Another thought, they may not end up being as expensive as advertised. Their MSRP for a DCC-equipped GP9 is $129, but we all know they can be had for almost half that.... perhaps the flex track will go in that direction too..... but alas, apples and oranges.

code 100

I am code 100 and code 70 I have several hundred feet of Lambert /Shinohara track ans 70+ switches. Back in the 1970s it was Lambert that imported Shinohara before Walthers, I guess. Why use it now, because it works! Back in those days codes100 and 70 were was what available.My code 70 is for sidings. I don't recall code 83 as an option in those days. When code 100 track is painted it makes a big difference and it looks just fine. If I need more track where it will be seen I will use code 83 if I have run out of code 100 switches. I have purchased some code 55 for a few short stub end industrial sidings, Just for fun.

I may as well confess I use twin coil solenoid switch machines, Kemtron with contacts for polarity control and a set of DPDT contacts They works just fine. I have a number of new never used Kemtrons still in the box wrapped in plastic. I will use those until I have installed them all.

I don't have any issues with code 83 or point motors and servos but just think how much it would cost to replace all that I have with new product.. I will stick with what I have.

Ron High

I should confess I run DC only with a very few Bachmann diesels with sound running on DC all my other engines are DC, lots of Hobbytowns and others and they are fun to run.

Code 100

Rumor has it just before being bought by UP, SP was using code 100 as it was all they could afford.

Code 100 ...more people using it than you think

The WRMRC layout utilizes hand-laid track for all visible trackage, code 83 on the Cartier Sub main, and code 70 and 55 for branches, sidings and spurs as appropriate. This was decided for aesthetic reasons, that and hand-laid turnouts were cheaper to build and more reliable (this was before Fast Tracks came along and made it easier, and thus popular again).

So we're "elitists" (or snobs, or whatever derogatory term is being kicked around now) who thumb our noses at code-100 flex ...right?

Wrong! We use code-100 flex track on all our hidden trackage, including staging yards and helixes.

Having a more reliable supplier than Atlas is of interest to us, and I suspect a very large number of other modellers too.

Elitists, no.

Actually, in my humble opinion you guys who hand lay and scratch build are craftsmen. We all have our talents we contribute to a club.  We all have a different level of good enough in our modeling. So, how about sharing some pics of that hand laid track?  I would like to see it!

Den

You asked...

All sorts of photos on our website. Here is what the code-83 main looks like:

New code-70 trackwork going in at the 'new yard' at Sudbury (really an auxiliary yard CP built along the Webbwood Sub used mainly for storage and MOW equipment).

And here is that infamous code-100 flex being used within the INCO staging yard at Clarabelle ON. That huge foam thing is a big bumper post we fabricated. Overbuilt maybe, but it's a long way to a concrete floor past this point.

@ Alcoted

That really looks good. Thank you for sharing. The first photo was a little difficult to view on an iPad, but I got it!  I have never tried hand laying track, but I have watched a number of videos on the subject.

We must do what we must to protect our trains.  If the foam block is working as intended I wouldn't worry about it.  If you want to blend it in you could paste a paper brick wall across it.

Den