I have started my new layout using all Atlas code 55 rail and switches. Now I am having a very hard time finding the code 55 flex track at reasonable prices. My local store north of Baltimore has been out of it for some time now and they don't know when they are going to get new stock. Do any of you know what the problem is, or when we can expect flex track supplies to get back to normal? I'm almost thinking I made a mistake going with Atlas instead of Micro Engineering flex.
Here's Atlas' update on incoming container shipments. Not sure how they're allocating it to stores. I know my local store has some, but I can't remember now if that's recently from Atlas (I think so) or from a dude returning a box. Your local store should be able to call Atlas and find out.
I have seen the Atlas web site and I know what it says about the flex shipments. But that seems about as useless as lipstick on a pig. I talked to the guys at the store and they also seen the shipment schedule and they said they still have no idea when the stock will come in.
I haven't seen any in a long time in my area either. You may want to shop some of the online sellers like N-Scale Supply, Feifer Hobbies or Tex-N-Rails to see if any of them have it in stock.
Once, again, the response from the paid advertising dealers is deafening. Try Wig-Wag, for one. Also, Google "Atlas 2000 code 55 flex" and you'll find a few dealers (we can't mention on here) that appear to have stock. Best to call and confirm before placing an order
The two hobby shops were I do most of my purchasing had it in stock, but sold out real fast. IMO it should be back in stock soon, because Atlas is taking pre-order.
And that is where we have a problem. I said I am looking for track at reasonable prices. I can't get that from an online retailer. After the shipping charges get added I may as well buy Micro Engineering flex from my local shop.
Search the forums. There have been multiple threads on this with Atlas' responses. Now there's an issue at the LA Port, and shipments are delayed due to a work stoppage (IIRC). It's on it's way in mass quantities, just hold on.
Now we get the rest of the story. Your first post only mentioned track at reasonable prices - nothing about shipping charges being the issue. Are you buying a full case or just a few pieces? Anything wrong with Micro Engineering track?
For what it's worth, (and you obviously didn't bother searching or you'd have seen the 400 threads about this topic already) the C55 has JUST started shipping again after about, what 5-6 years? So, it's making it's way around, but if you're just now trying to *order* it (as your shop would have to do if they didn't already have orders in) it will likely still be awhile, according to what Atlas has said. They are filling the enourmous backlog of existing orders at this time. One famous e-tailer (the one with great photos) just posted the C55 flex is now in stock. So it's really JUST NOW coming back available. Bottom line...if you need it NOW, you are just gonna have to fork over the cash at this point. Good luck.
I think any time you have to add shipping that should be accounted for in the total price. I am looking for a case of 100, but 25 pieces or so would get me going for a while. I am also looking for #10 switches. I don't mind Micro Engineering track, but I have already started with Atlas. I was hoping to stay with one brand/type of track on this layout. And Micro Engineering doesn't make the variety of switches like Atlas.
Oh I have seen the hundreds of threads that have been going back for years. I just find it inconceivable that any company would have not nipped this problem by now. Any other company would have fired the whole crew if a problem like this happened. I can wait if the track is coming back soon. I got about 15 pieces left to work with.
Is it just the flex track you are having trouble finding? If so, I suggest using Micro Engineering flex with the Atlas switches. They work perfectly together. The tie length is slightly different, but once it's painted and ballasted you have to look really close to tell the difference.
Nipped the problem??? You need to go search, and read. This was way beyond their control in most cases.
The excuse used may have been it was beyond their control. But the truth is it is the responsibility of the upper management to ensure this NEVER happened in the first place.
It was "way beyond their control" only because (unlike Micro Engineering, for example) Atlas made a decision to have their product manufactured in a facility that was way beyond their control. The risk of not owning the manufacturing operation was the possibility (however unlikely it might have seemed) of an extended interruption in supply. One solution to that problem is to maintain a safety stock to carry over until the source of supply resumes production - but no one wants to sit on extra inventory. You can't have it both ways.
Yes. Along with every other model railroad producer except ME ant MT, etc. Every single one of them were in the same boat....heck even DI is still trying to dig out of the production issue. Do I agree that production should have been spread around to multiple factories? Yes. BUT, 1) finding skilled laborers that can put these things together is already a small work pool...anywhere you look, 2) how anyone could have foreseen the government shutting the plant down due to some transgressions from those who ran the plant, you're a better man than most. Maybe you should run one of these companies. What many fail to remember is that these are not multi-million dollar companies. Many of them are solo person operations, that do the best they can do to make a living off of it. If China is the best place to go for production, so they can live off what are basically toys for grown men, then all the power to them. As for the Los Angeles Port issues.....looks like the good old USA is bogging down the delivery of our toys. Workers not getting what they want in pay and benefits, so they lock down the system. So who do you blame then?
If ME and MT can manufacture domestically (along with Kato in Japan), what's stopping everyone else from doing the same? Few of us probably get paid as much as we want. You get paid what the free market has determined your skills are worth. If your present job doesn't pay enough, then you need to upgrade your skills so that you can get a job that pays more. Going on strike and disrupting commerce is only a short term solution. How long before the cargo ships dock in Mexico or Canada and the containers come in by rail, bypassing US ports and workers?
