Thanks all for the input. Sorry I posted twice. There was no way I could see to delete the second one.

This is my first time at this so bare with me. I'm 80. I've painted tracks two ways. It is very labor intense but I guess that doesn't bother us. I did it two ways. For unbent track I pre cut the masking tap the width between the fish plates and taped it in and then outside ties. Not promoting any one here I used the green tap from Napa. Save the tap strips. You can use them over and over.

Now for curved track, I had to do it after installing it. Why, because the paint I used wouldn't let me bend the track after is dried. The switches are just tedious, as you can imagine.

Now something I would like to share with you all, is how to silence a train in a tunnel.

But you will have to let me know. 

goober

I've been thinking of using Micro Engineering code 83 for my new HO layout. I'm wondering about some of the other makes; Walthers Shinohara comes to mind. What likes and dislikes, do you guys with experience, have ? I'm speaking of course about flextrak.

Thanx,

Jim

jmhohn@comcast.net

ME is the way to go ! The NON-WEATHERED VERSION. It is a very good looking track for the $$.

Walthers Shinohara comes to mind. What likes and dislikes, do you guys with experience, have ?

Walthers flex track is similar in appearance and workability to Micro Engineering.  Tie spacing is a bit wider, and spikes are somewhat larger.  The only major difference is cost, with Walthers usually being over twice the price of ME at retail.

The weathered code 55 flex track with the concrete ties is the best way to go if you want concrete ties.  Saves a lot of time weathering and looks good.  I use this and I am happy with it.  I am going to buy more.

Non weathered code 55 rail with brown ties is the best way to go as it is easy to work with you are probably going to paint it anyway.

Code 40 weathered is almost impossible to bend.  To use the code 40 weathered I bought, I had to cut the rail into approximately 15" lengths to get it to bend 90 degrees with a 12" radius.  So, the next batch of code 40 I buy will be un-weathered. 

Mike Lee

Gave up on Micro track and switches. Not reliable. Only use PICO switches now.

I'm using the ME code 83 and it works great.  I'm using the Walthers turnouts and they also work great.

 ME switches did not hold up to heavy steam engine traffic. The diverging rail went out of tolerance and that is when ME replaced them with used switches. They also where out of tolerance.

Picos' have held up for 5 years now and no problems at all.

Nit - it's PECO, not PICO. Sorry, the editor in me just had to rear its head ...