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244 In Stock
We can ship the 17-083-C immediately. If you order more than what we have available, we will hold your order and add additional units required to our production queue. The lead time for this product is shown above.
PRICE : $1.50
244 in stock
Micro Engineering code 83 non-weathered rail is recommended for use in all Fast Tracks assembly fixtures and hand laid track in general. The rail is very precisely made from nickel silver and can be easily soldered. Each piece is 18" long. The shorter length of this rail allows it to be shipped in a standard size box. If you do not need standard 36" rail lengths for your project, we recommend purchasing 18" rail to save on shipping fees.
Why We Recommend Micro Engineering Rail
Micro Engineering rail is precision drawn and maintains very tight base and head width tolerances (+/- .001"). These precise tolerances ensure that the rail is held precisely in gauge when a Fast Tracks assembly fixture is used to build a turnout.
Fast Tracks does not offer weathered rail, as it is not possible to solder this rail without removing the weathering treatment.
Note - we cut 18" rail from 36" rail stock. If the stock count shows that we are out of cut rail, check the stock levels of 36" rail. If it is in stock, we will produce 18" pieces to fill your order. There is no need to wait until it shows in stock to place your order.
36" Rail is also available.
22 reviews for 18" Micro Engineering Code 83 Non-Weathered Rail
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Building Turnouts Using Fast Tracks Assembly Fixtures
This fully illustrated document provides complete details for building switches using Fast Tracks tools & supplies. These instructions apply to Turnouts, Wyes & Curved Turnouts in all scales and include essential information for building any fixture-built trackwork.
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Chris Mears (verified owner) –
Like any length of Micro Engineering rail, this is simply terrific to work with. Consistent in profile and always takes solder so nicely. I particularly like being able to order the 18" lengths. Certainly saves on shipping cost but also just a nice length to work with and easier to store here at home. Chris
Guest Reviewer –
While I can understand the rationale behind the 18" length, I still believe one can get better usage out of 36" rail. When building a #6 HO scale turnout for example, you'd end up with far more "guardrail" lengths of rail using 18" rail than if you built out of a 36" length. If you're building a lot of turnouts, go buy the 36" rail.
John Donaldson (verified owner) –
Always impressed with the Micro Engineering rail.
Jacques Loiselle (verified owner) –
My order arrived earlier than advertised. No problem whatsoever, completely satisfied.
Steen Stavnshoj (verified owner) –
Perfect rails for soldering.
Normand Levert (verified owner) –
I have used code 83 non-weathered before to build turnouts with great success. The 18 inch length works well and when I built a ladder, I simply butt soldered two lengths over a PC tie. One little problem I've run into is not all my code 83 is the same height, but I can't tell if the difference was between your rails or between your rails and my ME flextrack. Not much difference, but a little bump.
Gary Carpenter (verified owner) –
I am very happy that you exist This is the only place I found that has pre cut rail and you are able to purchase what you need instead of bulk. My rail was delivered timely and as advertised.
Kevin Carleton (verified owner) –
great rail and a good price.
Robert Hobbs (verified owner) –
Nice rail. Very rough cut. Looks like you could use a new Xeron cutter when you cut the 3' in half.
Joseph Sanfilippo (verified owner) –
I ordered some code 83 rail to use as guard rail on a bridge I'm building. The rails arrived in good shape, and I was well satisfied.
Patrick Flynn (verified owner) –
They make it easy to get rail of fine quality for us that still lay our own track. And the 18" lengths make it easier and much cheaper to ship. And don't worry about it crossing the border Canada to US... just going regular parcel took my order but 5 days! You'll save over using gas to drive 100 or 200 miles to a hobby shop that stocks rail, or having anyone ship 36" long parcels. The cuts in those 18" pieces are good and ready to go. They make laying track EASY!
Neil Froese (verified owner) –
Great quality.
Dwight Hall (verified owner) –
The 18" length is easy to ship, will save you some money. Each piece was cut precisely, always had a good starting end. With the ME rail, you can match Peco rail, but Walthers and Atlas, even though code 83, have different measurements.
joseph gilmartin (verified owner) –
Laying my whole layout with/c70 & c55 like the title says all “hand laid track in my Scale/gay
Greg Brule (verified owner) –
The last batch of rail I had to be careful running them through my fingers to get the bend in them… some where a little sharp and I ended up with cuts!
Mark (verified owner) –
It came well packaged, but the cuts on them were pretty rough. The rail files well and is easy to bend by hand. At present, I've just made a "jigless" #6 turnout that turned out okay. As a previous reviewer said, the 36" lengths lend themselves to less waste, but the 18" isn't bad. It'd be nice if I could get the 36" length without having to buy 66 of them.
Greg Brule (verified owner) –
Very nice to work with! 18” lengths are easy to work with and if I manage what pieces I cut from each, I get very little waste.
Helmut Halverhout (verified owner) –
Very nice, made my first part of rail. Recommended.
2chapples (verified owner) –
No complaints whatsoever, I am using the 18" rail code 83 to build #6 turnouts and as a couple others have mentioned, I have very little waste.
I am building a 2' by 16' switching layout so I really did not have a need for 36" rail. Were I to build a large layout, I probably would order the 36" rail for long runs.
William Nixon (verified owner) –
18" code 83 rail. Nice products and excellent shipping times.
Greg Brule (verified owner) –
Nice to work with!
Michael Santos (verified owner) –
Micro engineering rail has always made great quality no matter 18" and 36" I prefer 36" over 18". Price is the same $1.50 or $3 per rail. Either one you buy comes out the same. I use the 18" for making a turnout and 36" for doing the frog points and guard rail. Goes a long way.