Anybody using the new atlas code 55 rail? I heard that cars with big flanges derail? any truth to this? Will be starting a new layout and would like to know before i buy. Thanks
Some older locos will bottom out, and MicroTrain cars will bottom out. Atlas is selling bulk pack replacement wheels for those cars that have a problem. If you have only recently bought engines, they should be okay. But yes, there are some problems with Atlas code 55. Some people use it and love it, so why don't you buy one peice of flex track (or maybe your LHS has a junker one) and use it as a test track for what you already own.
If you search through the Atlas N-scale forum, there are several lengthy and sometimes rather heated discussions on this subject. I used code 80, as everything will work on it. It's pretty much bullet-proof. The code 55 looks very nice, but I just didn't want to take on the additional expense of converting my older rolling stock. Also, you can't (very easily) convert older loco wheels. Someday, when everything in N-scale is made to work on code 55, and I'm ready to make my dream layout, I'll consider code 55.
Slightly off the subject, but .... Peco Code 55 is compatible with ALL(!) wheels, both old and new. Also Peco 55 mates with most, if not all, Code 75 and 80 track. On the down side, Peco tie size and spacing is not as good looking as Atlas, but once ballasted, this mostly disappears. Another thing about Peco 55, it doesn't seem to corrode or get dirty. I don't have to clean the track, even if I haven't operated for 1-2 months.
I use PECO code 55 and have no problems - plus there is a wide selection of turnouts, cross-overs, etc. To improve the apperance I spray paint the track and ties brown, ballast and then hand paint a rust color on both sides of the rails - finishing with a "bright boy" to polish the tops of the rails. I think it looks pretty good.
