I am having problems with Bachmann switch tracks. They either stop my locomotives and reset my command control center or they derail my rolling stock when going through the turnouts. I tried putting wheel weights under my rolling stock which helped a lot and using clear nail polish on the switches, but I have yet to find a complete solution to the problem. I read that Atlas has a better made switch track, but I did not want to invest another 50 or so dollars so I bought vintage ones on eBay. Was this a smarter choice for me? Thanks in advance.
How vintage is vintage? Old Atlas turnouts, like very old, had brass rails. Brass rail corrodes easily and must be frequently cleaned. Most modern track now is made with nickel-silver rail. It too corrodes, but the corrosion is electrically conductive so trains will still run on it.
I have used Atlas turnouts for years. They generally work well. The snap-track ones have plastic frogs, so you can't power them, but those are short turnouts and locomotives generally don't stall.
You might consider Peco turnouts for reliability. They cost more but I find nothing derails on them and engines don't stall.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Hello All,
dabster1979...I did not want to invest another 50 or so dollars so I bought vintage ones on eBay. Was this a smarter choice for me?
Not to be facetious...
It seems a resounding "No"!
As you have discovered; a "cheap" solution can lead to an "expensive" resolution.
One of the places I don't skimp or cut corners on is track.
Years ago, when I reentered this great hobby, I bought a promotional starter pack that included an oval of brass track.
That was sufficient to get me up and running.
When I began to plan my pike I decided on modern, Nickle-silver track and turnouts.
My track of choice was Atlas Code 100.
Later, as my pike expanded, I needed more turnouts.
I knew the "street price" (MSRP) of new Atlas turnouts complete with remote switch machines.
While attending a train show a vendor had used Atlas turnouts. They had previously been used, soldered, and weren't in pristine shape with no switch machines.
They were marked at pennies less than new, in the package ones. I knew this because I'd done my research.
I approached the vendor and gave what I thought was a reasonable counteroffer in cash.
He said, "Prices are marked" and declined my offer.
I thanked him, went home and bought the same ones new, in the package with all the accessories.
Yes, I did pay a little more, but those turnouts have served me well for many years.
Caveat Emptor!
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Thank you for the guidance. I appreciate both posts to my question very much. Not sure how to post pictures on this reply, but this is what I will be receiving in the mail to hopefully solve this dilemma. Thanks again. Robert
dabster1979...I will be receiving in the mail to hopefully solve this dilemma.
Please let us know what your solution is, so others on these forums can learn from your experience.