Out of the following brands of track manufacturers, which do you guys recommend the best and why for operation reliability, scale, easy of laying and good value. Atlas Peco Micro Engineering Cheers Doug
This topic can start some contentious posts. Here is one thread: http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/9/t/005084.html?#000001 http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/9/t/005321.html?#000000 http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/9/t/004680/p/3.html?#000036 If you go to Model Railroad Forums and search "peco atlas ME" you will get about 80 threads on this topic, not all, but most, in the N scale forum. I would suggest that you read these first, then ask any questions you may have. There are probably as many answers as there are members on TB. [ July 01, 2005, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: sapacif ]
Flash is right, track is something we tend to get an emotional attachment to; it's a very personal choice. Being human we always want to defend our choice as the RIGHT choice. Here's a little hint: There is not one track that is THE best, but there is one that is the best for you. When you read oppinions of what is important to others, rate how important it is to you. Depending on your experience, a lot of what influences your decision are things like first layout vs. dream layout. Is this to learn construction techniques or the beginings of the master empire. Everyone has reasons for what they use. By comparing their reasoning to your goals, you will discover what is best for you.
My $0.02: Peco for switches and anything with a frog for that matter, and Altas for everything else. Balou Line is right, its all in your mind. But we can all agree on ONE thing, NO BRASS TRACK!
I'd suggest buying some flex track in both code 80 and 55. Paint it, weather it, ballast it. It makes a HUGE difference in the final appearance. Then decide which rail you like. If its a toss up, you may want to go with code 80 since many believe it to be more forgiving. If you prefer code 55, buy a couple of Atlas switches and see if they present any problems. If not, they are the least expensive and arguably the best looking in code 55. If you have problems, sell them on an auction site and try ME or Peco. I am in the process of doing this myself and since "one man's trash is another man's treasure" I thought I'd find out first hand. Another factor to consider if you have old lokies and rolling stock is the wheel flanges. If you choose code 80 or peco code 55 this won't be an issue but for Atlas code 55 you need low profile wheels. I don't know about ME code55.
