Model railroading is a beloved hobby for lots fans, allowing them to create tricky and realistic representations of rail structures. A important aspect of this hobby is the tune used to guide the miniature trains. Among the various sorts of tracks to be had, the Atlas Code 83 flex music is a popular choice due to its flexibility and scale accuracy. However, there is a few confusion among hobbyists approximately the materials used in these tracks, in particular whether they’re made of polystyrene. In this text, we are able to discover the composition of Atlas Code 83 flex tracks, how they are built, and their blessings, while also addressing not unusual issues approximately their material.
What Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene?
Atlas Code eighty three flex tracks are a type of model railroad track extensively utilized in HO scale layouts. The “Code eighty three” designation refers to the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch, meaning the rail is 0.083 inches tall. This size is taken into consideration towards the real scale of actual-world railroads whilst as compared to the marginally larger Code a hundred tracks. Flex tracks, because the call shows, are flexible, permitting modelers to bend and shape them to fit the curves and lines of their layout. This flexibility is one of the key motives for his or her reputation, because it gives greater versatility in tune layout.
These tracks are typically used in HO scale, that is a 1:87 scale, meaning one foot in actual life is represented by way of 87 toes at the layout. Atlas, a famous manufacturer within the model railroad industry, produces those flex tracks with a focal point on durability and ease of use. But what precisely are these tracks made from, and the way does this have an effect on their overall performance?
The Material Composition of Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks
One of the most common questions about, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene is whether they’re made of polystyrene. The brief solution is not any; the tracks themselves aren’t fabricated from polystyrene. The tracks encompass two most important additives: the rails and the ties (or sleepers).
Rails: The rails of Atlas Code eighty three flex tracks are typically product of nickel-silver, a copper alloy containing nickel and zinc. Nickel-silver is desired in version railroading as it offers wonderful speedy-short electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion, ensuring reliable operation through the years. The use of nickel-silver additionally enables the tracks preserve a sensible appearance, because the steel resembles the shade and texture of actual railroad tracks.
Ties (Sleepers): The ties that maintain the rails in vicinity are fabricated from plastic, but no longer polystyrene. Instead, they’re commonly crafted from a extra durable plastic, which include acetal or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). These materials are chosen for their power and flexibility, permitting the music to be bent and fashioned with out the ties breaking or turning into too brittle.
Why Polystyrene is Not Used in, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene
Polystyrene is a sort of plastic generally used in a whole lot of purchaser merchandise, from disposable cutlery to packaging materials. It is understood for being lightweight, inexpensive, and smooth to mildew. However, it isn’t ideal for use in model railroad tracks, specially in flex tracks, for several reasons.
Durability: Polystyrene is fairly brittle and liable to cracking, particularly while exposed to stress or environmental changes. Flex tracks want to withstand the bending and shaping required to create realistic layouts, and polystyrene might in all likelihood wreck or warp underneath these situations.
Flexibility: While polystyrene can be molded into numerous shapes, it does not possess the vital flexibility required for flex tracks. Materials like ABS or acetal are chosen rather due to the fact they offer an amazing balance of flexibleness and power, permitting the tracks to bend with out compromising their structural integrity.
Resistance to Wear and Tear: Model railroad tracks are difficulty to put on and tear from repeated use, publicity to environmental factors, and the burden of the trains jogging over them. Polystyrene could not hold up properly underneath these conditions, potentially main to common replacements and a less reliable music gadget.
Advantages of Using Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks
Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene offer several benefits to model railroad fans, making them a preferred choice for many. Understanding these advantages can assist hobbyists make knowledgeable decisions while planning and building their layouts.
Realistic Appearance: The lower profile of Code 83 tracks provides a greater realistic appearance compared to higher code tracks. This closer approximation to actual railroad tune peak complements the overall aesthetic of the layout, specially in HO scale models.
Versatility in Layout Design: The flexibility of these tracks permits hobbyists to create custom curves and complicated track designs that aren’t viable with rigid tune sections. This versatility is particularly useful for those trying to replicate complex actual-global music plans or fit their layouts into restricted spaces.
Ease of Installation: Despite their flexibility, Atlas Code 83 flex tracks are extraordinarily clean to put in. They can be reduce to length the use of simple tools, and the plastic ties are pre-drilled to accommodate song nails or screws, making it less complicated to secure the tracks to the format base.
Reliable Operation: The use of nickel-silver rails ensures consistent electrical conductivity, that’s essential for smooth and reliable teach operation. This fabric also reduces the need for frequent cleansing, because it resists oxidation better than other metals like brass.
Wide Availability of Accessories: Atlas produces a huge variety of well suited add-ons, consisting of turnouts (switches), crossings, and different track components, all designed to work seamlessly with Code 83 flex tracks. This makes it easier for modelers to enlarge their layouts and include complex music arrangements.
Addressing Common Concerns About Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks
While Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene exceptionally regarded, there are a few commonplace concerns and misconceptions that get up among version railroaders. Addressing those troubles can assist make clear any doubts and provide a higher knowledge of what to expect from those tracks.
Bending and Shaping: Some hobbyists worry that the power of the tracks may cause kinks or uneven curves. While it’s far genuine that care need to be taken when bending the tracks, the ability permits for sluggish, easy curves if carried out well. Using song laying equipment and templates can help obtain the preferred shape with out inflicting damage to the tracks.
Track Alignment: Ensuring proper alignment is vital for clean teach operation. Misaligned tracks can motive derailments or inconsistent electrical contact. Fortunately, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene designed with alignment in mind, and with cautious set up, those issues can be minimized. Proper ballasting and securing the tracks in vicinity can similarly enhance alignment and stability.
Material Durability: As noted in advance, the use of durable plastics like ABS or acetal inside the ties guarantees that the tracks can face up to repeated bending and environmental elements. Concerns about the tracks becoming brittle through the years are typically unfounded, provided they are handled and saved properly.
Electrical Conductivity: Some modelers may additionally worry approximately the lengthy-time period conductivity of nickel-silver rails, in particular in dusty or humid environments. While regular maintenance is recommended, the choice of nickel-silver as a fabric extensively reduces the frequency and quantity of cleansing required compared to different materials.
Compatibility with Other Track Types: There may be issues about mixing Code eighty three flex tracks with other song codes or brands. However, Atlas affords transition joiners and different accessories that allow for seamless integration with other song sorts, ensuring compatibility and steady overall performance throughout the layout.
Conclusion
Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene, famous preference among HO scale model railroaders for exact cause. Their practical look, flexibility in design, and dependable operation cause them to an terrific choice for hobbyists looking to create special and correct layouts. While they may be no longer made of polystyrene, the substances used in their creation—nickel-silver for the rails and sturdy plastics like ABS or acetal for the binds—make certain that those tracks are both robust and flexible enough to withstand the needs of version railroading.
Understanding the composition and advantages of Atlas Code 83 flex tracks can assist hobbyists make knowledgeable choices when making plans their layouts, main to a greater fun and successful version railroading revel in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene compatible with other song codes?
Yes, Atlas Code eighty three flex tracks can be used with different music codes, such as Code a hundred, via using transition joiners. These joiners allow for a easy connection among one-of-a-kind track heights, making sure compatibility and regular overall performance across the layout.
2.Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene require special gear for installation?
While no special equipment are required, the use of music laying equipment like rail cutters and bending templates can assist reap precise cuts and easy curves. These tools make the installation technique easier and bring about a extra expert-searching format.
3. How do I ensure proper electrical conductivity with Atlas Code eighty three flex tracks?
Ensuring right electric conductivity entails right music alignment, clean connections among tune sections, and ordinary renovation to get rid of dust or oxidation. Nickel-silver rails, utilized in Atlas Code 83 tracks, are proof against oxidation, lowering the need for common cleansing.
4. Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made Of Polystrene be used outside?
Atlas Code 83 flex tracks are broadly speaking designed for indoor use. While they’re made from long lasting substances, publicity to out of doors factors like moisture, UV mild, and temperature fluctuations can affect their performance and toughness. For out of doors layouts, it is advocated to apply tracks in particular designed for out of doors environments.
5. What is the excellent manner to shop unused Atlas Code eighty three flex tracks?
To make sure the durability of your tracks, shop them in a fab, dry vicinity far from direct daylight. Keeping them in their authentic packaging or in a container that protects them from dust and bodily damage is