A layout with 900 hand made turnouts is quite unique and would certainly cause the world to become extremely curious. So far, that program is a college football game which seems to be worthy of viewing!
The only stipulation with T-TRAK modules is that the track at the interface is kato Unitrack, what you do on the module is up to the individual as long as trains run over it without derailing. We have modules with Kato, Peco and Tomix track. Aren't they called Micro-Trains? And I think their key to success is not so much making their product in the U.S.A. but doing it all themselves.
And MTL are the best quality in N scale products, especially for the price. Explain to me why we have to ship our manufacturing overseas?
When I decided to rebuild my layout a couple of years ago, I was going to continue using Atlas Code 55 track as I had already made a considerable investment in it. I started benchwork, even laid some track but then of course I had to rethink my course of action as finding any Code 55 was becoming increasingly difficult. Familiar story. So I waited and waited, even scratchbuilt a few turnouts with Micro Engineering rail... But it got to the point that I just wanted to see my trains RUN. And in my lifetime. So I made a decision to pull up all my track, sell it off on Ebay and go with the always available and ultra reliable Kato Unitrack. I was willing to compromise on the appearance of the track so I purchased a few peices and experimented with various ways of painting and weathering the Unitrack to acheive optimal eye-pleasing results. I liked what I saw. So I downloaded Anyrail and spent a few weeks and a few gallons of coffee designing a new layout to fit my 10 by 21 foot space. And speaking strictly for myself, it was the best move I could have made. I did my best to keep the track plan from looking "Unitrack-ish" by always using the largest curve radii whenever possible. With careful weathering and ballasting I feel the track will good, Code 80 rail and all. And the best part of it all is that I can run trains NOW and expand as time and finances permit, and know that it will all come together precisely as designed in the end. I even picked up a bunch of used Atlas Code 80 flex for cheap at my local hobbyshop and am filling in yard areas with it in place of the more pricy Unitrack... This approach may not be for everyone, but it's working for me. My leisure time is quite limited... scratchbuilding a few dozen turnouts is great for those that have the time to invest in it. I made an executive decision, and it's a good thing because that darned Atlas Code 55 is STILL nowhere to be found...
dexterdog62: did you use any of the unitrack concrete ties? if so, did you paint or do something to make them appear to be wooden ties? concrete ties will not work in the era I model and I am try to avoid a paint marker to each tie, one at a time, if possible. thanks! Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
I would've loved to have been a fly on the wall in the planning meetings that Atlas (et al) must've held when the "Chinese Factory Shuffle" mess first reared its ugly head. I'm not a business guy, but I'd think that "Relocate Production To The USA" must've at least been floated (and subsequently rejected) as an option. Of course, we all know better, so clearly they made the wrong decision ;-) Cheers, -Mark
Sorry to cut in, but I have had a similar problem in HOm (European meter gauge). The reliable tracks I found are made by Tillig for TT scale (1:120). The tracks are based on Kato unijoiners too. But I did not like their concrete ties either. Though they would be OK in many parts of the Swiss meter gauge railroads. The picture shows the original unpainted track on the left, with several sample versions of painting. I decided to go for the one on the outer right where the sides of the bedding are left unpainted. But I did also darken the outside with the ties to look like the area between the rails. So while not perfect, to me this looks sufficiently like wooden ties of high quality (because of the uniform regular shape).
Yep, so many times now. But shames to us modelers, shames! I think I need to quit MRR foruming, period. Not much good comes of it, the super critical over analyzing of peoples modeling and what they use or don't use, what they do or don't do, etc. is very annoying "switch to DCC, do this, do that, use this, use that, etc." I'm afraid I may never understand it, a viciously endless cycle. That said a lot of people are waiting on atlas for their products, aside from track quite a few modelers here are awaiting their Alco S switchers. Atlas has lots of loyal customers, you can't blame people for getting a bit giddy because they want to use or buy something from a company they're very familiar with. Shoot the other day I asked on the Facebook if they'd make an Alco C636 in BN and SP&S colors, I got a maybe styled response but it's better than nothing, right? shoot it got me wondering what atlas will be up to once the ball starts rolling again. To the Gary with the pennsy logo, I was planning my layout during those months a layout that will never see the light of day as the plan has been abandoned for a more unique approach devised to adapt to my situation. I was constantly searching, kept finding #10 left hand turnouts for some weird reason....
Sheesh, there's a whole big bunch of people who need to take a chill pill. Perhaps three. This is a hobby, boys and girls. The stock of Atlas track is not a matter of national security. People either act as if Atlas is committing a grave personal affront for not remaining stocked on the track of choice, or that it should be a headline item on CNN. How many times must it be repeated... it's a hobby. A hobby, boys and girls. Please, enough with the wild speculation, the finger wagging, and the wrist wringing. Go weather your rolling stock while you wait for the track to be replenished.
This week, I visited my parents, in CA, and cam across a decent amount of N Scale code 80 flex track and rail joiners, I got excited about adding a staging yard for my hobby, then sad when there were no switches...it's only a hobby, that is limited due to no track.....
right, it's just a hobby, hmmmm... funny how many times have I heard that line right before someone lays into myself or another because of something stupid. like oh I dunno, modeling in N, modeling western roads, backing Kato and atlas as my favorite companies, oh and the best reason a younger person. yep, just a rehash of gaming forums but with a different topic.
Hey...dont let it get ya down. There's some gung-ho fuddy duddies blowing off steam around here. There is also a lot of good info posts mixed in. Laugh most of it off...BUT...take away what interests ya. If I couldnt shake my head & laugh at some of the posts here...TB would be just another ho-hum model train forum !! :teeth:
I have to agree with some people on this. Don't let things like this take the joy out of the hobby itself. As I mentioned earlier, I have been a fan of Atlas since my first Erie Lackawanna Kato/Atlas locomotive made its first laps around the track back when I was maybe 10 or so years old. Sometimes manufacturers hit bumps in the road and need to make adjustments. I would rather Atlas bag a poor quality manufacturer and delay production, than churn out crap quality items just to restock the shelves. I can appreciate Atlas taking the time to assure things meet their criteria so as not to tarnish their name. I said it earlier, Atlas has always meant quality to me, which is why I am so loyal and avoid buying from some manufacturers altogether. There are a lot of other things I can focus on while I patiently wait for Atlas to get back on track (no pun intended). Heck folks, take this time to try another aspect of the hobby you may have once refused to delve into (scratchbuilding, kitbashing, detailing, etc). This is the same as when Kato released their new SD70Ace's... some folks spent so much time and effort complaining about Kato not focusing on eastern roads. Kato finally focuses on it and all folks can do is complain about minute things (like Kato not releasing the models with painted handrails). Break out your paint brushes and spend an hour painting them, its not as scary as it seems. The complaining is exhausting. Cheer up!!!
