Model railroad enthusiasts often find themselves immersed in the details of track construction, from code sizes to materials used. Among the many options available, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene? is a popular choice, especially for HO scale layouts aiming for a more realistic appearance. One common question that arises in forums and discussions is: Are Atlas Code 83 flex tracks made of polystyrene?
Understanding the material composition of flex track components is essential—not just for durability and aesthetics, but also for compatibility with paints, adhesives, and scenery techniques. In this article, we explore what Atlas Code 83 flex track is made of, why it matters, and how it affects your model railroad building process.
What is Atlas Code 83 Flex Track?
Atlas Code 83 flex track is a type of HO scale track where the rail height is 0.083 inches. The “code” refers to the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch, and Code 83 is commonly used by modelers who want a more prototypical appearance compared to the slightly larger Code 100 track.
Flex track, as opposed to sectional track, can be bent and curved to fit custom layouts, making it extremely versatile. Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene? It comes in three-foot sections and features a plastic base (also called the “tie strip”) that mimics wooden ties found on real railroads.
Atlas has been a trusted name in the model railroad industry for decades, known for high-quality products, consistency, and ease of use. Their Code 83 flex track is widely recommended for HO modelers looking for realism and performance.
Material Composition of Atlas Code 83 Flex Track
The flex track comprises two main parts: the metal rail and the plastic tie strip. The rails are typically made from nickel silver, a corrosion-resistant alloy ideal for model trains because it maintains conductivity over time. However, it’s the plastic tie base that raises questions about material composition—specifically whether it is made from polystyrene.
To answer the main question: Yes, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene?. This is a common thermoplastic used extensively in the hobby industry because it is easy to mold, detail, cut, and glue. The use of polystyrene allows manufacturers to produce highly detailed and uniform tie structures while keeping costs manageable.
Polystyrene is also compatible with a wide range of hobby paints and adhesives, which makes it particularly useful for model railroaders who want to customize their track appearance by weathering, painting, or integrating the tracks into scenic layouts.
Why Polystyrene is Used in Track Manufacturing
Polystyrene is favored in model railroading for several reasons. First and foremost, it is cost-effective and easy to mold, which means manufacturers can produce intricate tie shapes with realistic wood grain patterns. These details are important to hobbyists who want their layouts to resemble actual railroads as closely as possible.
Secondly, polystyrene has a stable structure and does not warp easily under normal conditions. It maintains dimensional accuracy even when exposed to temperature changes indoors. For flex track, which needs to maintain its curvature or straightness after installation, this property is crucial.
Additionally, polystyrene is easy to paint and glue. Hobbyists often use solvent-based plastic cements or acrylic paints, both of which work well with polystyrene. This makes it easier to integrate the track seamlessly into the layout, whether it involves ballasting, adding grass and dirt textures, or creating complex scenes.
Benefits of Knowing Your Track Material
Understanding that Atlas Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene? flex track is made of polystyrene can help you make more informed decisions in your modeling. For example, when choosing adhesives, solvent-based plastic cement is an excellent option for bonding polystyrene to foam board or other styrene components.
When it comes to painting, acrylic-based paints adhere well to polystyrene with minimal preparation. If you were dealing with a different type of plastic, such as ABS or PVC, you might require different paints or primers to achieve the same effect.
Also, knowing that the ties are polystyrene means you can safely cut and shape them without worrying about unusual brittleness or melting issues. This is especially useful when customizing turnout areas or fitting track sections into tight spaces.
Potential Limitations of Polystyrene in Track Bases
While polystyrene offers numerous advantages, it’s not without its limitations. For one, it is less resistant to impact than other plastics like ABS. Dropping a section of track or applying too much pressure during installation could potentially crack or deform the tie strip.
Additionally, polystyrene can be vulnerable to UV exposure and certain chemicals. If you’re building an outdoor layout (which is rare for HO but not unheard of), prolonged sunlight may degrade the ties over time. Similarly, using harsh chemical adhesives or cleaners can cause the plastic to soften or melt.
Despite these drawbacks, in the controlled environment of a typical indoor layout, polystyrene performs exceptionally well. Most model railroaders will never encounter issues with degradation unless they’re using unsuitable tools or materials.
Compatibility with Scenery and Modeling Techniques
One of the biggest advantages of Atlas using polystyrene in their Code 83 flex track is its high compatibility with common scenery-building materials. You can paint the ties to resemble weathered wood, add ballast using white glue and water mixtures, and even embed the track into foam scenery with ease.
You can also drill small holes into the ties if you want to add details such as spikes or wiring for signals. This flexibility makes polystyrene-based flex track highly desirable for modelers who want to push the boundaries of realism.
Moreover, because Atlas flex track has consistent tie spacing and uniform geometry, it integrates seamlessly with other Atlas track components, making it easier to create turnouts, crossings, and other complex rail features without worrying about alignment.
How to Work Safely with Polystyrene Tracks
When cutting or modifying, Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene?, use a sharp hobby knife or fine saw blade. Be mindful of the plastic tie base—it’s durable but can snap if bent too sharply. Always score gently and apply pressure gradually.
If you’re painting or gluing the track, ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated space, especially if using solvent-based adhesives or spray paints. Though polystyrene is safe in its solid form, fumes from chemical treatments can be harmful if inhaled.
Lastly, when soldering rail joints, avoid letting the heat linger too long near the tie strip. Polystyrene can melt if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Use heat sinks or alligator clips to deflect heat away from the ties when soldering.
Conclusion: Yes, They’re Made of Polystyrene—And That’s a Good Thing
Are Atlas Code 83 Flex Tracks Made of Polystyrene? tracks are indeed made with polystyrene tie strips, and this choice benefits hobbyists in many ways. The material offers an ideal balance of realism, flexibility, affordability, and ease of customization. While it’s not indestructible, polystyrene is more than adequate for indoor model railroad use and widely supported in the modeling community.
Understanding the materials you’re working with is key to building a long-lasting, beautiful layout. So, whether you’re planning a detailed mountain scene or a bustling industrial yard, knowing that your Atlas track is polystyrene-based gives you the confidence to create with precision.