which track to use...

[asciibaron]

i'm trying to decide if i want to continue to use Atlas code 55 or switch to ME's product.  the turnouts are considerably more expensive, but since the main doesn't have that many, it's not going to break the bank.

[Dave V]

How about code 80 3-rail?  Then you can use pizza cutters. ;D

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

If I am correct, ME turnouts, when ordered by Walthers, aren't available (spelling I think) there backed up. Maybe they uncongested it. IDK

[Mark5]

ME turnouts come in any size you want, as long as it's #6.

[mmyers]

Steve,
Go with Atlas 55 turnouts.
ME's are nice but can be like hen's teeth to find.

Martin

[ednadolski]

ME turnouts come in any size you want, as long as it's #6.

Has anyone tried the Atlas #10s?  How do you like them?

Ed

[wm3798]

I think John's put some on the M&O...  They look awesome!  I'd use them for your mainline standard, Steve.

Lee

[tom mann]

ME code 55 flex
Atlas code 55 turnouts

[Ian MacMillan]

ME turnouts come in any size you want, as long as it's #6.

Has anyone tried the Atlas #10s?  How do you like them?

Ed

LOVE the #10s....they are my mainline min turnout.

[oakcreekco]

Steve,
Go with Atlas 55 turnouts.
ME's are nice but can be like hen's teeth to find.

Martin

I've got some ME Code 55's listed in the "For Sale" section here. Still have them.

[inkaneer]

Is ME flex available now?  They had some supply problems a few years ago.  You might have to buy all the track you need at one time to avoid possible future supply problems.  What ever you do think camoflauge.  The principle of good camoflauging is to make everything blend in so nothing sticks out.  A good example is having a unit train of stock Atlas Trainman covered hoppers with one super detailed covered hopper in the mix.  That one car will stand out like a proverbial sore thumb.  So stay with one brand of track.  Or alternatively, stay with one brand for the mainline and another for the sidings and spurs. As for turnouts these are sufficiently different from regular trackwork that using a different manufacturers turnout will not be noticeable.

[wm3798]

Now Joe, I run cars like that all the time...  When a train of 20 or 30 covered hoppers is moving along at speed, it's hard to nit pick the details.  But when it's time to take a picture, make sure those nice Intermountain cars in the frame!

Lee

[Caleb Austin]

ME code 55 flex
Atlas code 55 turnouts

Agreed, ME flex looks much more realistic IMHO, smaller spikes and longer ties. The way it holds it's shape makes track laying much easier too.

[wm3798]

I've used them both, I like the Atlas turnouts much better, and I agree, the ME has an edge appearance wise.  Since you really don't need a ton, I'd use ME where you can see it, and the Atlas in staging.  The rails are 100% compatible.

Lee

[sizemore]

Atlas C55 switches with ME Flex. However I wish ME Flex had the same "bounce-back" that Atlas Flex does...makes seemless curves easier. ME has to be babied if you don't use a template.

The S.