code 55 switches

Hello to all of you, fellows n-scalers !
Micro Engineering code 55 switches have been
impossible to find for nearly 10 months.
I don't want to "switch" to Peco code 55 because I find ME stuff much more prototypical (tie spacing and general appearance).I know that there are also kits for these switches.Does anyone have some information on them ?And what about BK enterprise products ?I don't see their ad in my last copy of MR, do they still exist ?
Please help me to find a solution !
My board of directors (translate beloved wife) is urging me to lay some tracks ("why don't you work on your train honey ?")and I deseperately need switches...Do not talk about making them from scratch, practicing US N-scale in France is hard enought yet...(I pay nearly 5 bucks for a copy of MR, overseas subcription, they say...)
Thanks for your help,
marc

 

Hi marc! Welcome to Trainboard!

I heard (about a year or so ago) that Micro Engineering had worn out there switch molds. Seems kind of hard to believe, seeing how metal molds have some where around 750,000 casting rate. Who knows.

I would suggest looking at every possible store out there. Make a few pgone calls and E mails and see what you can find. You might be surprised.

 

Marc,

Check out rio grande hobbies (http://www.riograndehobbies.com), I see them listed, and also http://internettrains.com. They should have them. Or consider ordering from Micro Engineering direct. There are alot of skeleton turnouts out there with most of the work done for you. BK Enterprises is still here (you can check out their products at (http://www.troutcreekeng.com/bk_n.html)and if you want another alternative, there Trainworx's Code 40 turnouts (they are beautiful!)(http://members.aol.com/wire4dcc/homepage.htm). Glad your not using Peco though!

Mike

[ 04 March 2001: Message edited by: atirns ]

[ 04 March 2001: Message edited by: atirns ]

[ 04 March 2001: Message edited by: atirns ]
Editing maddness!

[ 04 March 2001: Message edited by: atirns ]

 

Until someone comes out with a strong (read: hard to break) and cost effective track system that looks prototyical, I'll stick with the PECO Code 55 track. It cost less than the M-E track and is a heck of a lot stronger.

 

Thanks for your hints, folks
I have been to RioGrande Hobbies web site and they announce that ME code 55 switches are back !
It would make me believe in telepathy
Thanks too for the details of BK enterprise,
their choice is huge in code 55 (#4,5,6,8 and 10, curved,wye...)and prices are correct
Concerning Peco line, I must admit that their products are neat and "bulletproof" but
for me, US style appearance does really matter...and Peco is English and I am French Why would you think if they had burnt Abraham Lincoln ?
marc

 

If you are complaining about paying $5 for an MR, imagine how Canadians feel about paying the Canadian price? My magazine says $4.50 in US and $6.50 in Canada. When you consider that most Canadian cities are closer than many American cities to Wisconsin, well...........

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by marc:
Why would you think if they had burnt Abraham Lincoln ?
marc<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Huhhhh?
I'm sorry, but what does that have to do with Scale Track?
Anyway, I agree that Peco is Euro-Style Track, but like I said, M-E track is too weak and expensive for my tastes. I know many of us hope that Atlas will build North American N-Scale Track that is as strong and cost effective as the Peco track. Only time will tell...

[ 05 March 2001: Message edited by: Maxwell Plant ]

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rsn48:
If you are complaining about paying $5 for an MR, imagine how Canadians feel about paying the Canadian price? My magazine says $4.50 in US and $6.50 in Canada. When you consider that most Canadian cities are closer than many American cities to Wisconsin, well...........<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Again I say...Huhhhh?

We're talking about track my man...

 

I am with you Marc. The added expense for ME is worth it. I only wish they came out with #10's or larger.