I've been away from the hobby for many years and am currently planning a new layout. I was wondering who makes track still? I have tons of old Atlas Flex Track 3' sections left over from my last layout. Who else is in that market? I'm still a bit green to lay my own track but hopefully some day. In the mean time, I'll be happy to buy the pre-made stuff.
Atlas flex track is still around. All kinds of new stuff these days. Code 100, code 83, code 70. "Code" refers to the height of the rail in thousands of an inch. Code 100=.1000", code 83=.083" Code 70=.070".Most track these days is nickle silver rail. Much better than the old brass stuff. Bachmann produces something called EZ Track which has it's own plastic simulated roadbed attached. (Atlas makes a version of this too.)The major players are Atlas, Peco, Walthers/Shonohara, Kato, Micro Engineering. You can get an idea from this link.http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO_Scale_Track_Roadbed_Accessories_s/1454.htmWelcome back!
Welcome back to the hobby!! As addictive as this hobby is, there are so many options available to the model railroader today that simply didn't exist way back when (and certainly feeds the addiction). I'm assuming from your question that you are asking about today's track manufacturers, as opposed to asking who amongst the forums handlays their own track. It's really a matter of personal preference, however many companies exist that supply the pre-made track in the various codes available (sectional or flex track).
Atlas and Peco are reputable track manufacturers that supply today's market, as well as Micro-Engineering, Walthers Shinohara, and Roco. There are also other styles of sectional track that combine the track and roadbed into one, such as Bachmann EZ track, and Kato. Some of the more experienced modellers choose to make their own turnouts and handlay their own track. All in all, with track being one of the most important elements within the hobby, its important to ensure that you take your time in building robust trackwork. It's also wise to do your research and homework on which track might be most suitable for you depending on different variables (the look you are trying to achieve, cost, space limitations, etc.)
The best place for some good feedback is right here though. I've received a lot of help from the many experienced modellers on here, as well as received some extremely valuable information that has saved me a lot of time and money.
Good luck to you!
Welcome back..
If your old Atlas flex track is nickel silver on plastic ties (which has been standard for decades) it's just as useful now as it was the day you got it. My current layout has re-lay Atlas flex that has been in service since the mid-70s (on four earlier layouts.)
Most modelers prefer the appearance of Code 83 rail (which scales at 132#/yd, pretty much the present-day standard for new and Class 1 re-lay construction.) You can use the older flex for hidden track - or just use it everywhere if you're not comfortable with the smaller-section rail.
OTOH, if the rail is brass, don't just trash it. Brass rail can be used for all kinds of scenic items - wheel stops in parking lots, spare rail on racks at your MOW storage area, guard rails on bridges and through tunnels, even re-lay welded rail stretched out along the right-of-way awaiting the track gang.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Thanks everyone for the great responces! My old Atlas track is Nickel Silver Code 100, I believe, so I'll be happy to just clean it up and continue with that. Now all I need to do is pick a good layout for the space I have or make my own. Again, thanks for all the help!
Don't know what size layout your looking for. Here's a few.http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/index.htm
You can do a Google search for "track plans" also.