BrooklynBob Posted March 6, 2010 Share #1 Posted March 6, 2010 Okay, help, please. I'm in the planning stage of creating an HO scale version of the BMT 4th Avenue line. Mainline trackage will be in HO Code 100 rail. What size rail (HO scale? N scale?) should I use for the third-rail to approximate the relative sizes of the prototype? I'm hoping this is an easy to answer question and no one will be tempted to crawl down into the ROW to take a measurement. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AA 8th Avenue Posted March 7, 2010 Share #2 Posted March 7, 2010 You should use HO because in real life the third rail is the exact size of the rails used by the trains. Good luck with your project.N scale would throw off your scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Far Rock Depot Posted March 7, 2010 Share #3 Posted March 7, 2010 Double A is right IMO. I also would like to add that you shouldnt use Code 100 since it models FRA tracks. Those are taller to support the weight of larger, heavier cars. try usng standard Atlas track. its shorter in height than Code 100 and cheaper since you'll be removing the ties. Careful though, they bend easy. :tup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrooklynBob Posted March 7, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted March 7, 2010 Thanks for the insight. I've got some standard Atlas rail on hand; it looks pretty good next to the Code 100. I think I've found my third rail. I'm also glad I found this forum. Thanks again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Far Rock Depot Posted March 9, 2010 Share #5 Posted March 9, 2010 Thanks for the insight. I've got some standard Atlas rail on hand; it looks pretty good next to the Code 100. I think I've found my third rail. I'm also glad I found this forum. Thanks again... :tup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theaveragejoe Posted March 10, 2010 Share #6 Posted March 10, 2010 post some pics of your layout when you have it up and running Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metsfan Posted March 10, 2010 Share #7 Posted March 10, 2010 The 3rd rail in some systems is the same dimention as the running rail, however on PATH, and (NYCT) subway the 3rd rail is a smaller type of rail. With aluminum conducting strips: Another system with less tapered ends: Good luck on your build. - A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrooklynBob Posted March 12, 2010 Author Share #8 Posted March 12, 2010 Will do. Famous words: This is turning out to be more complicated than I EVER imagined. But, it's all fun and challenge, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrooklynBob Posted March 12, 2010 Author Share #9 Posted March 12, 2010 Many thanks for the great pics of other systems. I'll try to capture some of those elements in my version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EE Broadway Local Posted March 18, 2010 Share #10 Posted March 18, 2010 Best wishes, BrooklynBob! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LRG Posted March 23, 2010 Share #11 Posted March 23, 2010 Here's a site that has model third rails: http://www.imagesreplicas.com/accessories.htm It's in the accessories section, so just scroll down a bit and you'll come across it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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