Which Brand of Code 83 Track

[haggissolo]

I'll be able to start investing in track in a few weeks, and I'm grappling with the issue of which brand of Code 83 to go with.

I'm sure I'll get many varied opinions, but I'd like to hear the argument for each. The questions I have are:
1.) what am i gaining by opting for one of the more expensive track, versus Atlas?"
2.) Of the high-end brands, what are the pros and cons of Peco, Walthers/Shinohara, and Micro Engineering?

I'll be modeling modern BNSF.

Thanks for any help.

[SteelMonsters]

My first question: What brand are you using for turnouts. If you use different brands, they might look weird.

[tomwatkins]

I use Atlas code 83 flextrack in combination with Walthers code 83 turnouts anmd am very happy with the combination. The Atlas track is more flexible than some of the others, which I think makes it easier to use.
Tom Watkins

[eng22]

I use Atlas code 83 flex with Peco code 83 turnouts. There is a color difference, or I should say was until all track was painted. Now its is all weathered and looks great. I have no trouble with operations using these products.

[Anonymous]

I use Atlas flex and snap track (sometimes, it's just easier to drop in a 6" or 9" piece than to cut one [:)]), and Atlas and Walther's turnouts. The Walther's turnouts have to be shimmed up with .020 styrene to match the height of the Atlas track, but otherwise they work fine together. I just pieces of .020 x .100 styrene glued under every 5th tie or so on the turnout (a suggestion I read here).

[Anonymous]

Micro egineering is the most realistic. The railhead shape is closest to the real thing. It is very stiff and some find it hard to work with (and expensive). I value the look, so I use micro engineering exclusively where it will be seen. I use Atlas code 100 flex in hidden staging. It is cheap and is easy to flex into curves. I have had a few grossly out of gauge pieces (one in a helix that had to be removed it was so bad, talk about inconvienient). I haven't had too many problems mating up with varous brands of switches. I use micro engineering, peco code 83 (nice but pricey) and Shinohara. In the staging its peco code 100 switches.

My two cents,

Guy

[haggissolo]

I have not purchased any turnouts at all. A true greenfield project. I will be using DCC when complete.

[ClinchValleySD40]

All brands are very good, it's all a matter of personal taste. Personally, I use Atlas flex and Walthers #8 on the main, Atlas Supers (505/506) everywhere else.

Be sure if you pick Atlas switches to go with the Super Switches. Stay away from the "Custom Line" junk.

[jdolan]

My layout is all atlas code 83 flex and sectional track with atlas customline turnouts and operates flawlessly.

[Anonymous]

The club I belong to was having problems in regards to durability with shinohara turnouts in heavy use areas. I believe this would include walthers also. 4 years ago we switched to Peco switches as a standard for new trackage. We have installed several hundred Peco switches and have not had a problem with a single one. They are actually code 78, but they work fine.
The major problem with Peco is oversize ties, but this is less of a problem with weathering and ballast in place. It is particularly noticeable with micro- engineering's scale size ties. It is less noticeable with Atlas flextrack. Also, the european design is a little different geometry wise. The new American prototype track from Peco is incredible, but so is the price. The headblocks are also grossly oversize to allow the use of the standard Peco under- table switch machines.
Atlas switches should be fine for a medium- use home layout. I know several people that use these and they work just fine. If you use ground throws, the points may move on their rivets, making it look weird. This can be rectified with a small drop of ACC to keep it in place. I did not have this problem with tortise machines when I used Atlas turnouts on a former layout.
I've heard the new DCC turnouts from ME are much easier to use, but I have not seen one yet. I use ME, and the old turnouts are a pain unless you prepare them first. However, there is no question that ME makes the nicest looking turnouts out there.

[Anonymous]

Micro Engineering flex is the nicest looking, in my opinion, but doesn't seem as flexbile as Atlas (and a bit more pricey!). Pretty much ME flex is used in foreground areas with Atlas flex further back and in hidden areas. I also lean towards Walthers turnouts but also use some Atlas where appearences aren't as important.

Haggissolo,

I would suggest that you get a few pieces of flex from a couple different manufacturers and same with turnouts. You can then play around and see which you believe is easier to work with, better looking and more economical.