I am gathering the track I'll need to build a large layout. I have a dozen Atlas Code 80 remote turnouts which I managed to pick up for about $5 each. I will need somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 or 40 pieces of flex track. I thought I'd start with about 30 pieces and see how far that gets me. I can get 30 pieces of Model Power flex track for about $47 OR the same about of Atlas flex track for $75. Is the extra $20 worth it? I've never seen or used MP track so I have no idea if it's a quality product or at least on par with Atlas. Thanks!
When I layed tracks with Code 80 flex track I had a bunch laying in a box that I gathered here and there over time at trians shows in the past. After finishing all track work (of course, when else?) I discovered that one piece looked slightly different. What keyed me off was that the nail holes were in different places or had less/more of them. Looking carefully and doing some research on the net it appears it was a MP piece while the rest were Atlas. I'm 99% sure it's MP as I can no longer turn it over and check. So, while laying the track, obviously I could not notice the difference between the MP from the Atlas. However, after I found out, my observation was that they are nearly identical. Thinking back when I was laying tracks I did notice that the MP piece was slightly stiffer and the rails were slightly thinner (the top surface of the "I"). Having said all that, operationally there is no difference that I've found and in terms of staying clean or oxidizing, again no diffrence. BTW, I think your price for the Atlas is a bit on the high side. You can get 20 pieces for $40. woo woo woo Featuring Exclusive Model Trains and accessories at Discount Prices
Spring for the Atlas. It is worth the extra cost. I purchased some MP track a long time ago and could not believe the difference. The MP had tons of plastic flash left on the ties and just looked crude in comparison to the Atlas. The plastic spikes were much weaker too. You can rip off the rail if your not careful. I don't know if MP updated their molds or not but if they did, I would assume the price would have updated as well. Get the Atlas. You'll be glad you did.
Thanks for the info. I did find the Atlas cheaper as well. The LHS sells it for 2.69 ea but I'm going to see if they will give me a discount on bulk. If they'll come close, I'll just do that as I'd like to support them as much as possible. Regardless, I'm pretty sure I'll just go with Atlas since I'm familiar with it and those are the turn-outs that I already have.
I get all of my track at nhshobbies.com - $1.69 each for code 80 flex. I've looked and I can't find it anywhere else cheaper than that - not by a long shot. Nice folks to deal with too. I've bought all of my Atlas track and turnouts from them.
Wow, thanks! I just placed an order for 30 sections. That is a great price and with another member's recommendation I couldn't pass it up. Guess I need to get the layout nailed down (figuratively speaking)! Thanks again.
