Have you all noticed the shortage of Atlas #6 code 100 turnouts?
is this because Atlas is introducing the new Mark V turnouts? That still does not explain why the older Mark IVs have disappeared. Anyone knows? The Mark Vs are not immediately available either.
I am in need of several of them fairly quickly.
It's today's world of international manufacturing. I believe Atlas has all its track made in China. It's a long trip subject to misunderstandings and delays.
There was a Great Track Shortage a few years ago, mostly from a short supply of Atlas track but other track became hard to get, too. It took a while but things smoothed out.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Hello All,
I pre-ordered a car directly from a U.S. "manufacturer" in November 2020.
Because of overseas "sourcing", I received the car in February.
This transaction was theoretically done directly with the manufacturer without a third-party retailer, supposedly to "cutting out the middle-man".
As has been posted overseas sourcing for U.S. manufacturers can cause a delay in the supply chain.
Unfortunately, the marketing departments of many "manufacturers" get ahead of the supply chain to coax buyers into committing to their "newest and greatest" products over the competitors.
An unfortunate negative effect of a global economy.
Be patient and...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Shortages are also existing in all kinds of weird areas that have nothing to do with model railroading.
I think this is just a sign of the times. Some things just are going to be in short supply for a while.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Very interesting you posted this today. Without hi-jacking this thread I'll just briefly say I'm back into model trains after being away for about 35 years. I have been doing a lot of research lately to get back up to speed and was just starting to source track for the layout.
My choice was Atlas code 100 and as you pointed out, the #6 switches are not to be found anywhere that I have looked. I was going to post to ask about PECO code 100 switches as a sub as I am not clear on which to get in place of the Atlas #4 and #6 switches.
One last thing, I have been reading this forum trying to mine as mutch information as I can and it has been proving quite successful!
Anyway, greetings and salutations!
I did find some on EBAY and not above MSRP. Yes, they're rolling out the new Mark V track which they say should arrive in Mid April. The new Code 100 curved turnouts are not part of the new rollout as they just arrived last year.
Some say due to the pandemic, more people are working on layouts and buying track and other supplies up.
I sold off all my Atlas code 10 #6 because they cause a pot hole effect as wheels go through the frog, among other things. So I changed to Peco code 100 large to replace them.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I just removed 42 Atlas 100 turnouts from my layout.
Offhand, there are eight #8s, twenty or so #6s, and a handful of #4s, and one wye. Some have been soldered so I need to "unsolder" the track pieces attached to them. When I get them to my satisfaction, they will go on Ebay.
But meanwhile, twer I were you, I would check out Ebay and see if there are any suitable offerings out there now.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Gmurls Have you all noticed the shortage of Atlas #6 code 100 turnouts?
Ablebakercharlie My choice was Atlas code 100 and as you pointed out, the #6 switches are not to be found anywhere that I have looked.
My choice was Atlas code 100 and as you pointed out, the #6 switches are not to be found anywhere that I have looked.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks for the suggestion - I hadn't checked there yet.
SeeYou190I think this is just a sign of the times. Some things just are going to be in short supply for a while.
Take a look at the shipping container shortage. This, of course, causes shipping costs to surge (more than 4x). Maybe some manufacturers are either holding off shipping until favorable rates hopefully come back or they simply can not get a container to load?
Regards, Ed
gmpullmanMaybe some manufacturers are either holding off shipping until favorable rates hopefully come back or they simply can not get a container to load?
That sounds like it could be the problem. It looks like logistics everywhere is becoming an issue.
While shipping containers and their logistics are being mentioned, if you have enough pandemic time free to read a 540 page book this may be of interest.
The stardardization of containers was initially energetically fought by railroads which had recently introduced, and spent a bunch of money on, piggyback service.