HO Code 83 vs. Code 100 Track
Rail code refers to its height in thousandths of an inch, hence code 1-- is .100" and code 83 is .083" tall.
In HO scale, code 83 is closer in scale size to the most common mainline rail used in North America, so its very popular with advanced modelers and its smaller size makes the models look more massive.
If you look at the image to the right below, the piece of track in the middle is code 100 ant the bridge on the left is the same, rails match perfectly, and on the right bridge is code 83, so if you look really closely, and it is much easier to notice in real life, you can see an indentation, where code 83 rail starts.
In HO scale, code 83 is closer in scale size to the most common mainline rail used in North America, so its very popular with advanced modelers and its smaller size makes the models look more massive.
If you look at the image to the right below, the piece of track in the middle is code 100 ant the bridge on the left is the same, rails match perfectly, and on the right bridge is code 83, so if you look really closely, and it is much easier to notice in real life, you can see an indentation, where code 83 rail starts.
Word to the wise if you using products done by different manufacturers, even the same code may give you a headache, because even though the rail is same height, the ties beneath it might be different.
Another source claimed that older locomotives might not run well on code 83 track, but one of my older locos from the 70s does just fine.
If you have questions about which track to use for your layout, You might find this forum helpful:
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,416300
Another source claimed that older locomotives might not run well on code 83 track, but one of my older locos from the 70s does just fine.
If you have questions about which track to use for your layout, You might find this forum helpful:
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,416300
