kinda disappointed at the new code 65

[cv_acr]

As gret as code 55 is as a step toward more realistic rail size let's alll keep in mind that it corresponds to code 100 in HO.  HO has now gotten code 83 track. 

HO has had code 83 for ages. And we also have code 70 and code 55. If I can get HO gauge code 55 MicroEngineering flextrack to use on industrial sidings, with no wheel issues with pretty much any RTR metal wheelsets, you'd think that code 55 would be a more attractive option in N scale where the larger rail sizes look particularly silly due to the relative size of the models.

I built a 2x7' HO switching layout using Peco code 70 switches and ME code 70 flex for the main tracks and code 55 for the spurs. Worked great as far as tracklaying and rolling cars around goes. My model club is mostly handlaid code 70 in all visible areas, with transitions to Atlas code 100 flex in hidden trackage for ease, speed and bulletproof reliability.

[Pomperaugrr]

The code 65 track sections look a lot nicer than the current code 80 sections available for the current target market.  Having beginners experience fairly realistic looking track profiles and reliable operation with an Atlas "Trainman Train Set", including dependable Atlas locomotives and rolling stock can only help the hobby.  I think too many beginners get turned off by buying crap Bachman and Life-Like sets, or the high priced Kato stuff.  If the beginner can really be bitten by the model railroading bug, many will eventually advance like the rest of us. 

I highly doubt anyone on this or any other forum started out at the level any of us are currently at.  For most, the hobby probably started with a set of some type or gauge.  Not with hand laid code 40 track and weathered cars with detail parts and low profile wheels.  Advancement within the hobby is great.  Having a product offering that appeals to a large market share is a smart move.  I do not think that the folks at Atlas will abandon the mofr advanced modeler.  We will continue to get higher quality and detail too.

Eric

[Nelson]

It is difficult to damage the track and joiners, electrical connectivity is better than any other system. 

Actually Bob, this is not true. I have done extensive testing on Unitrack and Atlas section track. New out of the pack Atlas rail joiners provide superior electrical conductivity with lower resistance in the joints. The Unijoiners only advantage is that they maintain their contact levels through repeated disassemblies, as where the Atlas joiners will start to lose there good connection after only 2 or 3 removal and reinstall cycles. The Unitrack was designed for the Japanese market where permanent layouts are not common and frequent layout assembly and disassembly is the norm. Unitrack is superior for this, but for a one time assembled permanent layout, the electrical qualities of the Atlas are better.

 

The only thing going for it is that it is code 65, this would answer all of the complaints about their code 55 not being compatable with some flange heights.

The biggest thing going for it is the US prototypical tie size and spacing, which is actually far more noticable than rail height.

[Powersteamguy1790]

I've been using Unitrack for over 7 years on the JJJ&E. If properly weathered and ballasted, Unitrack looks great. The performance of long full length trains on the track is outstanding. The weathering and ballasting of the Unitrack takes time but it's worth the effort.

I will make this point concerning users of Unitrack. Most users of Unitrack will not take the time and effort to weather and ballast Unitrack.





The JJJ&E is 10x15' on multiple levels. I've used Atlas flex track in some areas of the JJJ&E in the turntable area. Unitrack mates well with the flex tract. 99% of the layout is Unitrack with almost 50 turnouts and three double crossovers.

Stay cool and run steam....

[Mark5]

PSG,

I admire what you've done with Unitrack, but again this is an eye of the beholder thing (it still looks like Unitrack to me). Opinions will be all over the map on this.

Cheers,

Mark

[Allentown Hump]

If you're gonna take the time to weather and ballast Uni-Track, you might as well have laid your own... There is just something about a permanent layout that uses all Uni-Track that just bothers me...

[tom mann]

PSG - in both photos, most of the track is covered up; so sure, it looks better when it's hidden ;D

[Nelson]

99% of the layout is Unitrack with almost 50 turnouts and three double crossovers.

Stay cool and run steam....

Which one of them did that loco derail on?  ;D

[John]

Built up track is not for everyone .. I would not use it for my layout, but, I have seen people that do, and they seem to like it. It fits their needs. This model railroading hobby fits under a big tent ..

Cheers .

[Sokramiketes]

I've been using Unitrack for over 7 years on the JJJ&E. If properly weathered and ballasted, Unitrack looks great. The performance of long full length trains on the track is outstanding. The weathering and ballasting of the Unitrack takes time but it's worth the effort.

I will make this point concerning users of Unitrack. Most users of Unitrack will not take the time and effort to weather and ballast Unitrack.



Stay cool and run steam....

Looking at this picture, it's obvious that you are able to overlook a lot of things that would drive me nuts.  And if I were to put up with those things, then code 80, 1:150 scale, Japanese track probably wouldn't bother me either.

Oh, and congratulations for making the cover of N Scale magazine with this scene!

[rmansker]

Here's a little more open view-Atlas track or Unitrack? (the second picture has a dead give away).







I guarantee I spent about half the time doing this than the more traditional way and it looks just like my abandoned Atlas flextrack layout and runs a whole lot better, not to mention it never needs cleaning (2+ years so far...)

Richard

[tom mann]

Tom, I think you are not the target market for this trak anyway... !   

Steve, I have about $75 in Unitrack.  It's great for setting up testing track and even little temporary layouts around the Christmas Tree (using turnouts and presents as industries).  If Atlas can build track that can stay together after the cat slides into it, then yeah, I will be a potential consumer. ;D

[Iain]

 If Atlas can build track that can stay together after the cat slides into it, then yeah, I will be a potential consumer. ;D

Not good enough for me:  all the trains have to stay on the track and the cat has to receive a squirt of water.

[Walkercolt]

70-80% of the customers that come into the store are beginners and couldn't lay flex track if you paid them. We have always recommended UniTrak to them. If Atlas offers a less exspensive product that's as reliable as UniTrak, I'll change my recommedation. Most people who run N-scale out there ARE NOT MODELERS. They're just having fun with trains and their kids/grandkids. They want something more compact than HO, but that's just as reliable. We are the VERY small minority here. Just look at the posts and the photos of the equiptment,weathered, super-detailed, etc. I don't have a single customer who adds grab irons to their engines. Not even the "hard-core" NTRAK guys. Some of them have layouts that would fill a two-car garage, all sceniced, signaled and some running DCC. Quit looking down your noses at people who want to "play with trains". They spend alot more money at the hobby stores, and keep the doors open. We haven't turned all our Sunrise Enterprises stock in 4 years...not much profit there. :

[wm3798]

Does that mean you still have 5 chime horns in stock?  I need a bunch, and the very small minority of modelers around here have cleaned them out of every shop in a 100 mile radius...

 

Also, I don't think we're guilty of "looking down our noses" here.  I think that some people settle into a level of participation that they're comfortable with, and others, perhaps fewer, accept the challenge to do more, whether it's super detailing Z scale cars, or designing electronic signalling, or fully developing a concept into a working layout.

There are some new guys and some young guys that aren't so new on this forum who fall into the latter category, and I dare say the overall philosophy of the membership here is to challenge ourselves and each other to take our skills to the next level.  Maybe that turns some people off, but I think it invigorates those of us who enjoy the congenial, quality oriented tone here.

Lee