Flex Track

[pkeppers]

I've been using Atlas 83 on my layout. I bought a box of 100 last winter and another box this winter. I found out that Atlas has two different suppliers of Code 83 and you don't know which one you'll get until you see it since it has the same part number. One version has both rails slideable int he spikes and the spikes are the same size on both rails. The other version has only one rail slideable and the other rail is fixed and has smaller spikes. You don't really notice the spike size difference but they are definatly differnt sizes. The tie spacing is also differnt and the ties are different width. I would say that the version witht he fixed rail probably looks better if someone were to ask but it wouldnt really matter to me which I got. I doubt most people would notice if you intermixed the two but I'm using the one kind in a certain area and the other type in another area anyway.

The cheapest place I've found is called something like Naganast Hardware located in I think it was NY state. They only sell boxes of 100, mostly to clubs but they will sell to individuals. For a full box of 100 they were noticeable cheaper than anyone else I found.

Phil Keppers
Duluth MN

Phil Keppers

[pkeppers]

I've been using Atlas 83 on my layout. I bought a box of 100 last winter and another box this winter. I found out that Atlas has two different suppliers of Code 83 and you don't know which one you'll get until you see it since it has the same part number. One version has both rails slideable int he spikes and the spikes are the same size on both rails. The other version has only one rail slideable and the other rail is fixed and has smaller spikes. You don't really notice the spike size difference but they are definatly differnt sizes. The tie spacing is also differnt and the ties are different width. I would say that the version witht he fixed rail probably looks better if someone were to ask but it wouldnt really matter to me which I got. I doubt most people would notice if you intermixed the two but I'm using the one kind in a certain area and the other type in another area anyway.

The cheapest place I've found is called something like Naganast Hardware located in I think it was NY state. They only sell boxes of 100, mostly to clubs but they will sell to individuals. For a full box of 100 they were noticeable cheaper than anyone else I found.

Phil Keppers
Duluth MN

Phil Keppers

[BuffaloBob]

Have used Atlas flex track for the past ten years and am very happy with it. It is the best bang for the buck. Have also used the other brands, still come back to Atlas. Have been using micro engineering or Atlas joiners with sucess.

[BuffaloBob]

Have used Atlas flex track for the past ten years and am very happy with it. It is the best bang for the buck. Have also used the other brands, still come back to Atlas. Have been using micro engineering or Atlas joiners with sucess.

[CBQ_Guy]

What, no one uses Model Power flex? [:-^]

[CBQ_Guy]

What, no one uses Model Power flex? [:-^]

[lyctus]

I use Peco 75 and previously I used Peco 100 flextrack and turnouts. I have always found them just fine. All track looks better with a cork underlay and a spread of appropriate ballast laid over it and pre-wet with "wet" water add a drop of dishwashing liquid to a jar of water and lightly mist/spray on then use watered down PVA glue or acrylic matt media to fix. Cover up turnout mechamisms to stop glue/ballast seeping into th works.

[lyctus]

I use Peco 75 and previously I used Peco 100 flextrack and turnouts. I have always found them just fine. All track looks better with a cork underlay and a spread of appropriate ballast laid over it and pre-wet with "wet" water add a drop of dishwashing liquid to a jar of water and lightly mist/spray on then use watered down PVA glue or acrylic matt media to fix. Cover up turnout mechamisms to stop glue/ballast seeping into th works.

[nfmisso]

Prototypical: best is Micro Engineering, nothing else is close.

Operation: code 100 Atlas with Peco turnouts.

[nfmisso]

Prototypical: best is Micro Engineering, nothing else is close.

Operation: code 100 Atlas with Peco turnouts.

[CP5415]

I'm using Atlas & Peco code 100 for everything. Both work well together with my Peco & older than dirt Shinohara switches.

Gordon

[CP5415]

I'm using Atlas & Peco code 100 for everything. Both work well together with my Peco & older than dirt Shinohara switches.

Gordon

[ClinchValleySD40]

Atlas, both Code 100 (hidden) and Code 83. For the money it is as good as anything out there.

[ClinchValleySD40]

Atlas, both Code 100 (hidden) and Code 83. For the money it is as good as anything out there.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut1250

My two cents - Micro Engineering flex in code 83, 70 and (if you dare) 55. This stuff looks fantastic and I believe has the most prototypical rail head size and shape.

Guy

Also comes pre-weathered or unweathered, very good product.

Jay

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut1250

My two cents - Micro Engineering flex in code 83, 70 and (if you dare) 55. This stuff looks fantastic and I believe has the most prototypical rail head size and shape.

Guy

Also comes pre-weathered or unweathered, very good product.

Jay

[cwclark]

I will always use Atlas code 100 flex track....it's cheap and it's easy to work with when you lay it....I usually paint the rails with floquil rail brown and remove the excess paint from the top of the rail with a bright boy , then i paint the ties grimy black ...you can buy it by the case (usually in a bundle of 100 sections) on the internet ...also, check out the hobby shop ads in Model Railroader Magazine...Train world, America's hobby center , ect.. all sell it by the bundle

[cwclark]

I will always use Atlas code 100 flex track....it's cheap and it's easy to work with when you lay it....I usually paint the rails with floquil rail brown and remove the excess paint from the top of the rail with a bright boy , then i paint the ties grimy black ...you can buy it by the case (usually in a bundle of 100 sections) on the internet ...also, check out the hobby shop ads in Model Railroader Magazine...Train world, America's hobby center , ect.. all sell it by the bundle

[IRONROOSTER]

I have used atlas when I was in HO and Shinohara now that I'm in S. Both work fine. The key is doing a good job of track laying - smooth roadbed, no kinks at the joints, etc. Take your time and check it - lean over and sight along the track. If it doesn't look smooth - it isn't. Redo it. Laying track on a curve last month I soldered a kink in the rail[*^_^*]. Before going on - I cut out the joint and redid it.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

I have used atlas when I was in HO and Shinohara now that I'm in S. Both work fine. The key is doing a good job of track laying - smooth roadbed, no kinks at the joints, etc. Take your time and check it - lean over and sight along the track. If it doesn't look smooth - it isn't. Redo it. Laying track on a curve last month I soldered a kink in the rail[*^_^*]. Before going on - I cut out the joint and redid it.
Enjoy
Paul

[snowey]

Atlas, Peco, & Shinohara

[snowey]

Atlas, Peco, & Shinohara

[Anonymous]

My two cents - Micro Engineering flex in code 83, 70 and (if you dare) 55. This stuff looks fantastic and I believe has the most prototypical rail head size and shape.

Guy

[Anonymous]

My two cents - Micro Engineering flex in code 83, 70 and (if you dare) 55. This stuff looks fantastic and I believe has the most prototypical rail head size and shape.

Guy

[Anonymous]

I've used Atlas Super Flextrack almost exclusively and say its very good, especially the Terminal rail joiners

[Anonymous]

I've used Atlas Super Flextrack almost exclusively and say its very good, especially the Terminal rail joiners

[DSchmitt]

I'm in N scale and have never had any difficulty mixing brands of track. I have mixed Atlas 80, Peco 80, Peco 55 and Kato Unitrack and years ago used some Shinahara turnouts and a Lima crossing. The Peco N rail joiners are thinner than the Atlas but will still work if I'm careful not to force them out of shape. The Atlas joiners work too. Connecting Atlas 55 or Micro Engineering 55 with the others, because or the difference in rail height, takes a little more work but can be done. For main lines I usually use Atlas 80 because of cost, I prefer Peco 55 to differentiate secondary track. For turnouts I usually use Peco, but will use other brands if they are a better fit for the site.

I can't comment on HO since the only flex track available when I was in that scale had fiber ties.

The prototype mixes sizes and types of rail, and we can too.

[DSchmitt]

I'm in N scale and have never had any difficulty mixing brands of track. I have mixed Atlas 80, Peco 80, Peco 55 and Kato Unitrack and years ago used some Shinahara turnouts and a Lima crossing. The Peco N rail joiners are thinner than the Atlas but will still work if I'm careful not to force them out of shape. The Atlas joiners work too. Connecting Atlas 55 or Micro Engineering 55 with the others, because or the difference in rail height, takes a little more work but can be done. For main lines I usually use Atlas 80 because of cost, I prefer Peco 55 to differentiate secondary track. For turnouts I usually use Peco, but will use other brands if they are a better fit for the site.

I can't comment on HO since the only flex track available when I was in that scale had fiber ties.

The prototype mixes sizes and types of rail, and we can too.

[Anonymous]

Go to your LHS (local hobby store) or you can always order online.