Since no one seems to have any Atlas code 83 I was thinking of using ME track. I have no knowledge of it and was wondering if it is good, bad, etc.
Also, one of the reasons I was going to use Atlas was the electric switches. I am building a small switching layout and if I used ME track what options would I have for switches besides tortoise?
Just as an FYI, the rail cross-section of ME track is thinner than that of Atlas track of the same size (code). This can lead to issues when trying to use ME track with Atlas turnouts.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
Teamanglerx Since no one seems to have any Atlas code 83 I was thinking of using ME track. I have no knowledge of it and was wondering if it is good, bad, etc.
Whether it's good or bad FOR YOU depends on your skills and preferences. It's great if you want a closer to scale appearance than Atlas, not so much if ease of use is a high priority. The turnouts aren't much more work than Atlas to install, although they do not come from the box with jumpers to the rails leading out of the frog - you have to add those yourself or feed power from an adjacent rail. ME flex track doesn't work like Atlas, and takes much more effort to curve smoothly. Try to bend it like Atlas and you're likely to destroy it.
Most switch machines (Tortoise, Switchmaster, various serrvos) will work with ME turnouts. I don't use Atlas switch machines so I don't know if they'd work. ME turnouts have a built-in spring under the throwbar that you probably would want to remove before adding a switch machine to avoid interfering with machine operation.
Most of the flex track on my layout is Micro Engineering. I like it, but am willing to accept the compromise in ease of use for the closer-to-scale appearance.
Rob Spangler
TeamanglerxSince no one seems to have any Atlas code 83
Hmmmm, first place I looked seemed to have some: http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-Code-83-s/1465.htm
I like Micro Engineering track but would second Rob and say that it is in many respects an utterly different product than Atlas flex track. Micro Engineering is more properly described as bendable track, not flex track. Once curved it holds its curve. It does not flex in the way you might expect if you know only Atlas (HO or N). It helps to have the Ribbonrail or similar curvature templates to properly lay Micro Engineering because it is not just a matter of following the centerline on the cork roadbed (or whatever).
Interestingly in some ways a perfect tangent is almost as big a challenge with M-E as is a curve to a precise radius. Again the Ribbonrail and similar templates that fit between the rails and can be run back and forth in a section of track are extremely useful.
Easement curves are another challenge. But if you can work the rail the way you want, it makes for some fine looking track. It photographs almost like the best handlaid track, indeed, maybe better.
Some modelers have praised Model Power's flex track. I have never seen it or used it but it supposedl flexes very much like Atlas.
Dave Nelson
dknelsonSome modelers have praised Model Power's flex track. I have never seen it or used it but it supposedl flexes very much like Atlas.
If flexes easily, and then stays for the most part where you have set it, unlike the Atlas that wants to go back to it's original tangent configuration. I install them the same way : I solder the new length tangent to the piece already laid, and then I form the curve, tacking it down with nails.
Anyway, the LIONS trains are running, and him not in market for more tracks at moment.
Model Power is cheaper, and that is all that matters to a LION
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I would like to use ME track on my new layout. You can rub a ribbonrail thru it on the basic curve radius, say 32," but what is the trick for the easement part of the curve? I don't see how you would ever be able to bend it into a smooth continuous curving easement.