Hey guys,does anyone know if the new Atlas code 55 track is acually code 55 rail,or imbeddeded code 80 like the Peco track? Also,will it be prototypical looking rail like Micro-Engineering's rail?
There have been some pictures on the Atlas website as well as some posted in past thread here. Its hard to tell from the pictures but it appears to be more like ME track than Peco. There was a considerable amount of controversy on the atlas forum when it was introduced because of the tie width - Atlas has chosen to go with 8.5' US width while ME is 9' Both are acceptable for US prototype with 8.5 generally being the most common.
Atlas code 55 is indeed more like ME. And, it looks better than its code 80 counterpart. I've heard rumors of the children on the Atlas forum bashing the looks of the code 55 track. Personally, it looks good to me. Just goes to show that some folks will gripe if hung with a new rope
The photo of the code 55 flex on the Atlas site looks great. With the backing of Atlas funds, I'm sure their code 55 line will be a success. Though it's a shame that they announced only #5 switches ... love to see #8's in the lineup. Oh well, I guess Paul and Tom are waiting to see how the line takes off before committing to a full blown investment.
Hank - there were rumors of a #7 switch, but it is not listed on the release schedule in the Atlas new products section - time will tell.
