the MRH Forum

Peco cd 83 and ME cd 83 compatability Track and electrical/DCC
Reply
Regular poster 265 posts chesticus Regular poster 265 posts
chesticus

I am getting ready to lay track on my second level. I was going to go with ME cd 83 rail, but given how hard it is to work with and getting it just right, I am considering using Peco code 83 flex track instead.

I know it will not look as good in photos, but the tie detail is not bad,  and it will go down quicker and easier than ME. This will allow me to get the level up and running much sooner.

Question is that I am making my turnouts from ME rail using Fastrack jigs. Will the peco and ME line up well. I ready somewhere that the measurements are nearly identical. That would be a great help as well.

If you have had any experience with this subject and have some input, I would appreciate it.

Jim Lowery
Reply 0
Steves VR Regular poster 243 posts
Steves VR

Yes they are nearly identical.

     Jim, you won't have any problems mixing the two. I started using ME flex track on my layout and ME rail in my Fastracks Jig but have since switched to Peco c83 flex track since it is cheaper down here in Oz, easier to source and  easier to use. The Peco rail also fits your Fastracks jig, the rail being almost identical to ME rail. Peco c83 rail joiners work well with ME rail.

    A couple of measurements just taken.

                               Base width (thou)                          Rail head width (thou)

ME c83                        65-66                                                    29-30

Peco c83                     65-67                                                   30-31

 

Cheers

Steve
Reply 0
chesticus Regular poster 265 posts
chesticus

Thanks for the info.

Yeah I read on line that the measurements where near Identical. So it is good news because it will be a simpler way to go. It wont look as good on pictures, but I am not really a photographer. It will get my layout going quicker, and in the long run, I am much more a railfain than anything else.

Thanks again.

 

Jim Lowery
Reply 0
Reply