Selecting the best track

[unittrain]

I'm ready to start purchasing code 55 flex track I have a few pieces of Micro-engineering and Peco.
I was wondering how the Atlas track compares to these two makes. Does Atlas track have the large
spike detail like the Peco? I like the ME for the spike detail and the tie length. But the peco looks
better as far as the overall appearance for some reason. One being that when you sand the rail tops
after painting it shines more like the prototype. So I was wondering if the Atlas brand is a good in between
type. Maybe if anybody has pics of the Atlas they could post some.
Thanks.

[John]

Atlas is all I use .. and I use a lot

[davefoxx]

unittrain,

Here's a mock-up of Atlas Code 55 flextrack with painted/ballasted on the left and unmodified out-of-the-box on the right.  Hope this helps give you an idea of what Atlas' track looks like.


I have to admit that had Atlas not released this product several years ago, I would not have switched to N scale when I did.  Between you and me, I would love to see Atlas release a similar product line in code 40 as the hobby approaches better fidelity.


Dave Foxx
Rising Sun, Maryland

[ljudice]

I switched to Atlas Code 55 when I began rebuilding my layout...  I am very happy with it.

I previously used Peco Code 55 and have played with the ME track. Atlas is very well detailed and scaled, but is more fragile than Peco. The turnouts are much easier to deal with than the "ElectroFrogs".

Definitely try the Atlas stuff before deciding!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm a huge fan of the Atlas stuff. This is what I do with it:
http://conrail1285.com/news.asp?storyid=29

But that said, if you have some legacy stuff, or some MTL cars with their standard out of spec wheels, you may have trouble.

Of course, ME C55 has its own issues, like availability and that you have any size switch you need, as long as it's a #6.

[wm3798]

Atlas for me...






Lee

[Erik W]

It's all Atlas code 55 for me too.



Erik

[Sokramiketes]

I've heard that the metals in the Atlas frogs expand over time, causing derailments.  Can anyone confirm this?  ??? ???

[davefoxx]

I've heard that the metals in the Atlas frogs expand over time, causing derailments.  Can anyone confirm this?  ??? ???

I've seen this rumor on the internet before, but it makes no sense to me.  What would make an alloy expand over time?  Now, I certainly understand expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, but to just expand with age?  In my experience, I have not seen this happen, and I have had no problems with my switches, which are at least a few years old.

Dave

[wm3798]

Yes, it's absolutely true.  The frog in the front was installed just days ago, while the frog to the rear was installed early last summer.  I believe that was from the first run, though...

Lee

[3rdrail]

Since I have a lot of legacy locomotives, having been in N scale for 40 years, I decided to use Micro Engineering Code 70, and am quite satisfied with looks and performance.

[ljudice]

Actually Atlas frogs SHRINK over time... That is because they are made of an Osmium alloy. Since the half life of the metal is 350 million years, you should not see any derailments for at least 100,000 years.

[AlkemScaleModels]

It's all Atlas code 55 for me too.



Erik

Erik,

What size slide switch do you use? That installation looks great.

BCK

[Erik W]

Bernie,

I used these DPDT Miniatronics slide switches:

http://www.miniatronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=38-200-05&Category_Code=3_7&Product_Count=2

I like them better than Caboose Industries ground throws since they are significantly smaller.  The distance the slide travels happens to be perfect for the Atlas code 55 turnouts.  The points are securely locked into place.

I'd power your frogs if I were you.  It's easy enough and the Atlas turnouts are designed to easily power the frog.  It took me about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes per turnout to install and power the side switch, this included drilling the hole in the plywood (drill to a diameter equal to the length of the slide switch body), mounting the slide switch, wiring it, drilling and installing the stainless steel wire connecting the switch to the turnout throw bar, and gluing in place a piece of cork around the slide switch.

I have a hidden staging yard where I have the same controls for the turnouts but the slide switch is attached to an RC model airplane control cable that terminates at a representation of the yard on the fascia.  Beads from Hobby Lobby were used as the knobs.  I then use infrared detectors as occupancy detectors with LEDs on the front control panel.  You can see the control panel with the LEDs here:



Erik

[unittrain]

Thanks for all the pics I'm gonna go ahead and pic up some atlas it looks pretty good. The ME is really
fragile and the Peco is code 80 made to look like code 55 so the Atlas as shall try. I have the paint
ready for the track so once I select the brand I'll start ordering away. I'm getting my modules assembled
now and can't wait to get this layout up and going.