Which is better Walthers Code 83 Turnouts or Atlas

[joe-daddy]

I have both the Atlas and Walther's code 83 turnouts installed on my layout and honestly I have had more issues with the Walther's than the Atlas. While the Walther's has a more prototypical look and feel to them, their performance with running trains has a lot more to be desired.

I have more derails, power drops, and rails out of gauge with the Walther's turnouts. The Atlas seem to hold up better for my running.

 

  What Ryan says plus

Walthers code 83 tie height is about .020 shorter than Atlas.  If you are using the ubiquitous code 83 Atlas Flex track on your layout, you'll have some problems.

As far as Handlaid, Peco and ME,   see my blog for my comments in that regard,

http://wwwjoe-daddy.blogspot.com/search/label/LL%20-%20Handlaid%20Turnouts 

 

Just my 2 cents. 

 

Joe Daddy 

 

 

[karle]

Some of these posts may be referring to the old style Walthers turn-outs.  I have used the new ones that have been available about a year and they worked well.  I use Wathers if I need a curved turn-out (and I try to avoid that becasue of the cost), and Atlas #8's everywhere else  The Atlas #8 Custom is a much better turnout (functionally and aesthetically) than the Atlas #4 or #6 Customs, in fact Atlas IMO needs to get on the stick and improve the #4 and #6 to the same quality as the #8.  One other thing, the Atlas frog really needs to be powered for the T.O. to be reliable (really, all T.O.s benefit greatly by powering the frog), in particular if running "short" steam engines. I use the Caboose ground throws with the contacts to do this.

There are better T.O.s than Atlas or Walthers... if you've got that kind of money. 

[revhack]

It looks like both types are liked. Walthers is out of Walthers turnouts until May so it might be an easy desision to go with Atlas just because they are available. Thanks eveyone for your opinions.Tom

[SilverSpike]

I have both the Atlas and Walther's code 83 turnouts installed on my layout and honestly I have had more issues with the Walther's than the Atlas. While the Walther's has a more prototypical look and feel to them, their performance with running trains has a lot more to be desired.

I have more derails, power drops, and rails out of gauge with the Walther's turnouts. The Atlas seem to hold up better for my running.

 

[DigitalGriffin]

Another thing to consider is your structures on your layout.  A number of Walthers models that use track (bridge, turntable, etc) are designed to work with the walthers rail.  The difference is in the tie height.  For example if you try to take a atlas code 83 rail up to a walthers 120'/90' turntable, you'll discover it doesn't quite fit height wise for a smooth transition.

 

~D

 

[desertdog]

For code 83 I have used Walthers exclusively, including their large radius curved turnouts. There has never been a problem with gauge, picking the points or shorting out.  They are pretty sturdy, as well.  Over time, the difference in price is worth it. 

I like everything else that Atlas does, but stopped buying their turnouts a couple of layouts ago.  They are just a bit too flimsy for me.

 

John Timm

[tomikawaTT]

This is one case where I mostly agree with David Bedard.

In my case, since I operate a number of powered items with extremely short pickup wheelbases and unforgiving drive systems (they absolutely do NOT coast!) the Atlas insulated frog is a deal-breaker.  Then, as has been noted, Shinohara (Walthers) turnouts (Like Kato locomotives) tend to have availability problems.  Peco is a bit pricey.

My solution?  When I want my puzzle palace (4 double slips, plus) NOW, I grab some rail, an egg box of pre-sorted ties, my rail-working tools and the template on which it will all be built, adjourn to the site and build it - in gauge, on radius (or with proper spiral easements) and to NMRA standards.  Yes, it takes some time.  Usually a lot less than I would waste waiting for (fillintheblank) to be delivered off backorder.

Just my .  Other opinions will differ.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - sans commercially-produced specialwork)

[dadret]

I prefer the Walthers just because they look more realistic but they are pricey ( try First Place Hobbies for a better price).  Walthers and Atlas code 83 track parts are compatible and I use them together sometimes but the Atlas ties are brown and the Walthers black which is really kind of a minor problem.  I like to use Atlas snap track pieces where I want to avoid making a flex track connection (like in the middle of a curve).  Also, the Walthers turnouts are longer than the Atlas which you need to consider in planning.

[wmshay06]

A few notes from recent experience with the Walthers DCC code 83 turnouts:

1. ties are a diffrent color than the atlas code 83 flex track ties, but painting & weathering solves that

2. there is a small height difference between the walthers code 83 turnouts ties and the atlas flex track ties - some shimming at the turnout will fix this

3. Having laid my own rail (code 70, wood ties & spikes) and built up turnouts from rail stock for over 20 years, I decided it was time to try today's newer products for the new railroad such as the walthers turnouts.  Visually they can be improved (I think Paul Dolkos' work is a good example of how to do this) - somewhat tedious perhaps, but straightforward.  However, I was not pleased with the amount of adjustments I had to do - especially at the frogs and flangeways.  Of the 20 installed, all but 3 required some sort of work - frogs tended to sit too high, flangeway depths were inconsistent and fillets were badly done (a few just a series of plastic blobs).  While it did not scare me away from these products and easily fixed, and may have just be a QA problem with that production run, I had expected something a bit better from walthers.  Would I use them again - maybe, but I'd look at the other 'better' turnouts such as Peco and MicroEngineering first.

 

[loathar]

Atlas turnouts run about $15 for code 83 #6's, but they are frequently on sale (and are on sale right now at Walthers for $10). Comparable ME turnouts are $19.  Atlas under table machines are about $7. SO THiS CAN GET

Abbie

http://www.nhshobbies.com/category_s/56.htm

Atlas turnouts-code 83 custom lines $8.99 #4 and #6's. Every day. Under table switch machines-$4.99.

[abbieleibowitz]

I'm not sure which is better, but let me tell you my thoughts. I think cost is important when you're talking about a lot of turnouts. Based on Walther's latest pricing, Peco turnouts are the most expensive- $23 for a #6 code 80 turnout, but not THAT much more expensive. Atlas turnouts run about $15 for code 83 #6's, but they are frequently on sale (and are on sale right now at Walthers for $10). Comparable ME turnouts are $19. These are all prices for JUST the turnouts. THe Peco and ME turnouts have spring clips to hold them in position, so unless you want to power them, you do not need either a switch machine or a manual throw. Atlas requires something to hold the points in position. I use Caboose Industry's manual throws, which adds another $3 to the cost of the Atlas turnouts to make them workable. The branded power machines for Peco or ME or Tortoise machines are all about the same price (about$15 each). Atlas under table machines are about $7. SO THiS CAN GET REAL EXPENSIVE REAL FAST.

Personally, I use Atlas with Caboose manual throws. I've never had any problems with gauge or alignment, although I have read reports that make me think Atlas may be more trouble than other brands. I think that really reflects the fact that more people use Atlas than the other brands, and a lot of guys try to "bend the turnout to fit" just a little too much.

THe bottom line, it probably doesn't matter if you're having fun!

Abbie

[larak]

Walthers are nicer and better made, but sometimes hard to find.

Definitely closer to proper gauge throughout. Never had a problem with a walthers but have to do some work on about 1 in 4 of the atlas. Personally, I prefer the look of the Walthers frog and points.

 

[loathar]

Walthers are nicer and better made, but sometimes hard to find.

[revhack]

Just a quick question for anyone who wants to add their 2 cents. I'm about ready to start laying track on a new layout, are Walthers Code 83 turnouts superior enough to Atlas Code 83 turnouts to warrant the extra cost? I already have begun stocking up on Atlas Code 83 Flextrack will it be compatible with Walthers turnouts? Any opinion will be appreciated.