I'm going to get back to work on a long-dormant layout idea for the rest of the winter. I suspect that the question that I'm going to ask has been answered before, but none of the 'searches' provided my answer, so apologies if this is recovering an old topic. I have quite a bit of Atlas Code 80 track and switches that I used in a previous layout and would like to reuse that simply for financial reasons. I still need more track and would prefer not to buy any more of the Atlas Code 80. I have enough of the Micro Trains wheelsets and locomotives that I don't think that the Atlas Code 55 is an option based on what I have read. I would like to transition to Micro Engineering Code 55 track and switches with the new track that I buy. Simply put, I would use the new ME track in the most visible and critical section of the layout and at a logical, somewhat hidden 'transition' point (that I have identified), simply transition back over to the Atlast Code 80 stuff I have on hand. My question is how difficult (operationally) will that tranisition point be to accomplish? Is it a matter of just shimming the track for elevation at that point and modifying rail joiners or is it more complicated than that? Does the transition to not only the different manufacturer, but also the change from Code 80 to Code 55 further complicate this to the point that it isn't worth it? I'm also finding that the ME Code 55 switches seem to be out of stock everywhere. Is there a world wide shortage or is just the realities of 'after Christmas'? Thanks in advance.
Geno, I don't think you'll have any problems transitioning back and forth between the two - and the ME track is the best looking - short of handlaid - track we have available to us. It's available pre-weathered and in either wood or concrete tie, and anything will run well on it. It's a tad difficult to work with being quite stiff, but once you get it the way you want it, it will stay there. Switches? That's a whole 'nother thing. I used Atlas because they were available when I was building. I've also mated ME with PECO code 55 with little difficulty. I did n't particularly care for the ME switches because they had only #6s available. Good luck!
Wig-Wag - for example - indicates that the switches are available: http://wig-wag-trains-cart.com/micro-engineering/Track/n-scale?Page=2&Items=12
Sadly the only track that seems to be universally and continually available in quantity is Kato Uni-Track. Peco is a close second but their prices have become nothing short of highway robbery. Or perhaps a train hold-up would be a more appropriate comparison. All the other types/brands of track have become a joke, though not a funny one, with regards to availability.
You will find that many of Wig-Wags webpages are way out of date. Make sure you call for availability before ordering.
Also of note... I bought my first order of Unitrack 248mm Straight Track 4 packs from Fifer Hobby 07/02/12 for $7.99 per pack...the price is the same today as it was a year and a half ago !! ;-)
I’d like to know just what percentage on N-Scale modelers that began and are beginning layouts in the past ten years did so with Kato Uni-Track. What percentages of the above are expanding their layouts and plan to stick with Uni-Track? What percentages of the above are doing so because of Uni-Track’s universal consistent availability? I know what various dealers tell me with regards to their sales of Uni-Track vs all other types/brands.
The shopping cart version of their website is claimed to accurately reflect inventory status. Are you suggesting that this is not the case?
I am building my layout with what was left of my LHS' Atlas C55 track, and some ME C55 on sidings. I was shocked to see my LHS had either. Not going to lie, I'm afraid of what these availability issues have been doing to the hobby, N scale in particular.
I think I am doing a pretty good job keeping ME in business..... Whether it be flex track, or the rails to make my turnouts. Gave up on Atlas track years ago because it was not available, and I am happy I did!
Nothing good I’m sure but people adapt and as I mentioned earlier Kato’s Unitrack appears to always be available and in good quantities. About the only thing UniTrack lacks is variety especially with regards to crossings but that’s a weakness suffered by both ME c55 as well as the Atlas version. It’s funny when you consider that perhaps the most comprehensive track system available for N-Scale was the now defunct Shinohara.
