OK. I think I'm ready to go from simple Atlas loops on a card table to buying more track, roadbed and turnouts... I'm hoping to do an L shaped layout 3x7 with a 2x3 maiking the L. But I will most likely stat 3x6. I'm going to run the Kato Daylight and a few frieght lines in whatever fantasy layout the kids and I design (or copy). 1) How flexible is flextrack? I cant imagine making real turns with it. 2) Does anyone like the Woodlands scenic bed over cork? 3) I read here folks seem to like Peco turnouts over atlas? 4) Scissor crossovers seem to ba all code 55, but I'm thinking my MT freight trucks wont do that. Will Kato locos and passenger cars? Thanks for the feedback Marty
The short answer is "UniTrack." It will serve you well in the scenario you've described. The long answers: 1) Atlas flextrack is very flexible. MicroEngineering is a bit harder to work with. 2) I like Woodland Scenics foam roadbed versus cork. 3) Atlas turnouts are arguably the best available; assuming you use a viable switch machine such as Tortoise. 4) Not all code 55 is created equal. ME and Peco work with most N scale items. Atlas code 55 requires smaller flanges (MT cars need to be converted to low profile wheelsets, most recent Kato items are fine).
Micro engineering, peco, Atlas codes 55 all work with wheels that follow the NMRA recommended flange depth of .022, Micro trains standard wheelsets will not run on Atlas track because its flange is around .027 or so. All other manufacturers have the .022 flange. Cork is better than foam, vinyal is better than both of them. Its more expensive. Atlas code 55 flexes easier than Micro engineering, but lets face it you only have to bend it once, I never understood the issue about it. You'll have to work it to get the curve, but once done its done. I always like to give straight answers to questions without having you read between the lines. have a good weekend. Rob
Code55 - Atlas flex track is easy to work with and if you get the curve wrong the first time it can be reflexed easily. ME flex remembers the curve you put in and has the be rebent if you don't get it right the first time. In my area ME track was almost non-existent in the stores. Atlas was in abundance. Yes you have to change out MT wheels but that is easy and inexpensive. Motive power if new is not a problem. Atlas code55 turnouts are inexpensive compared to Peco - less than half the price - and have metal frogs which are great for small steam engines. I like cork have not worked with other materials. Tortoise work well with the Atlas turnouts. There are manual methods that work just as well. I have decided that most of my turnouts will be manual except for x overs and reverse sections such as wyes. Tom
For simplicity's sake, Atlas code 55 and cork roadbed. I agree on the MicroTrains cars- you'll need to change out their wheelsets with low-profile wheels.
Thanks - With regards to Code 55. Is the word Rats in order if I A) have a few 1990s vintage LL diesels and B) hope to collect various Steamers By type
Marty - for the small size layout you described, I think UniTrack warrants serious consideration. Running steam around tight radii requires very reliable trackwork. Unitrack performs very well in this regard. My last layout was a simple 3 x 8 double oval with crossover and some interior yard tracks. Unitrack performed flawlessly. I've now moved on to Atlas code 55 (and have also used MicroEngineering code 55), but my current layout has very broad curves (24" minimum). Here's a few old photos I dug up (the layout was never really finished and is now long gone....). I kept all of the Unitrack in case I'm ever faced with less space for a layout or just decide to simplify.
No shouldn't be a problem, Stay away from the unitrack, if you have to go sectional, wait for Atlas new track line to come out, Its American, it looks better than Kato. rob
Very nice looking layout. Thanks for sharing it. I am going to ythink for a while. THe thing with unitrack is cost. I use MTH realtrax, for my xmas O scale. Unitrak is comparably expensive. I have a few pieces that came with our Daylight pasenger set. Very sturdy looking, I'm gonna think about it.
Rob, What new atlas track? I'm gonna check thier website now. If you think the info is there, no need to respond.
NEW TRACK Atlas has a new code 65 to be out in Auguat 2008. True-Track with code 65 rail, on there web site.
It isn't chep. It does however hold its resale value, and can be easily reused for future layouts. Those two factors help to mitigate the costs. Also, the switches have switch machines built into the roadbed, which makes them competitive with other approaches. I don't believe that you shared where you're at in terms of model railroading experience, but that's a variable that you will need to consider as well. I've seen some new modelers almost quit the hobby out of frustraction with N scale trackwork. In some cases, a dose of Unitrack gets them back on track (no pun intended...).
Rob - that's a pretty bold statement that runs contrary to conventional wisdom. Why would you recommend that anyone "stay away" from a high quality, reliable, proven track approach? I'll readily admit that I've moved beyond Unitrack in the interest of a more realistic looking product; but why discourage someone from using a product that has helped N scale grow and thrive??
I'm quite interested in this, but so far I've only seen them listing 11" and 12.5" radius curves, which is far tighter than I want to go. If they offer a decent line-up of curves then I'll go for it, if not then I'll have to learn how to lay C55. Could you post the link to the info on the C65 true track from their website? I couldn't find anything on there.
MIght make a good test track! besides something temporary. Why would I not recommend Katos high quality, Proven track material? Because Atlas is coming out with virtually the same thing, but it has more of the look of US track. Thats why! Kato is 1 :150 scale, tie spacing is wrong, color is wrong. Kato is expensive, and I'll bet Atlas won't be "as expensive" Counterpoint? Rob
If I may make the counterpoint. Unitrack is a tried and tested component, and with painting, ballasting and weathering looks pretty good. The Atlas product is not available yet, so it may or may not be as durable and good. Specifically I'd be worried about the connection between pieces, both electrical and mechanical, that's where in my opinion Unitrack far outclasses the other track w/roadbed manufacturers. If you're building a layout that you hope to get published someday, then you shouldn't be looking at any sectional track, especially not one with roadbed attached. However if you're looking for a track that is bulletproof, and get your trains up and running for just your own enjoyment, Unitrack is pretty hard to argue with.
The vintage diesels, I don't know are you able the measure the flanges? I run steamers and they work very well on the code 55 and the metal frog turnouts are great the steamers run through them very well when the frog is wired up. Even on the frogs I have not connected yet the steamers go through well. Tom
Unitrak is out now, it is proven, easy to use, good for those who wish to get their trains up & going, and can be painted, weathered & ballasted if the color bothers you. OR............... there is always sectional track. Now, I believe the original question was about track, roadbed, and turnouts, and the availability of code 55 track in N scale. Atlas and Micro Engineering are the ones to go to- personally, I use the Atlas offering, with some ME code 40. Letting this topic degrade into bashing a certain product because it isn't made Stateside detracts from the subject at hand. We all have our preferences and dislikes to be sure, but we can do so in a civil manner.
