I've reused my Atlas flex from previous layouts and its time to discard it. Switched over to Peco Code 83 and I like the way it holds its bend. It suits the way I lay track. Layout will be all Peco turnouts and Peco flex.
- Douglas
MisterBeasley I'm a guy who goes mostly with Atlas flextrack. But, are we approaching another great track shortage, since much of our track is made in China?
I'm a guy who goes mostly with Atlas flextrack. But, are we approaching another great track shortage, since much of our track is made in China?
Only time will tell, but with Kadee shut down for who knows how long, I stocked up on a couple of bulk packs because I have quite a few freight cars needing upgraded from the crappy plastic clones.
Personally, I would rather have track made in this country, even if it costs a bit more. How do the rest of you plan to deal with this?
How do the rest of you plan to deal with this?
I've saved all my track from the last layout and I've ordered some additional track so hopefully have enough to complete my layout which is under construction.
Since China production is reportedly back up and running, I'm not too worried about another great track shortage.
Anyway, with Peco and ME not made in China, it shouldn't be a problem.
richhotrain Bring back production to the good old USA. I was watching a clip on CNN yesterday where Mark Cuban was being interviewed about this very topic. His prediction of a post-pandemic America would be one that includes the greater use of robotics to replace cheap Chinese labor, such that in the long run production here in the USA can be competitive with cheap foreign labor. Rich
Bring back production to the good old USA.
I was watching a clip on CNN yesterday where Mark Cuban was being interviewed about this very topic. His prediction of a post-pandemic America would be one that includes the greater use of robotics to replace cheap Chinese labor, such that in the long run production here in the USA can be competitive with cheap foreign labor.
Rich
I expect there will be more and more manufacture moved out of China in the future, some to other countries with cheaper labor and some possibly to the US.
But with model trains, that process probably won't happen quickly; China has the infrastructure and skilled lower cost labor for painting and assembly of detailed models. It's wishful thinking many have been voicing for the past ten years but probably unrealistic still.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
MisterBeasleyPersonally, I would rather have track made in this country, even if it costs a bit more. How do the rest of you plan to deal with this?
We already have good solutions for this - both Micro Engineering and Central Valley kits are made in the USA (the CVT tie system works great with ME rail).
Rob Spangler
Doughless I've reused my Atlas flex from previous layouts and its time to discard it. Switched over to Peco Code 83 and I like the way it holds its bend. It suits the way I lay track. Layout will be all Peco turnouts and Peco flex.
Alton Junction
richhotrain Doughless I've reused my Atlas flex from previous layouts and its time to discard it. Switched over to Peco Code 83 and I like the way it holds its bend. It suits the way I lay track. Layout will be all Peco turnouts and Peco flex. Since I am using Peco turnouts on my new layout, I do like the idea of using Peco flex track. My problem with Peco flex track though is that I cannot lay it perfectly straight no matter how hard I try. Rich
Since I am using Peco turnouts on my new layout, I do like the idea of using Peco flex track. My problem with Peco flex track though is that I cannot lay it perfectly straight no matter how hard I try.
I haven't really tried long straight sections yet. Maybe use some small diameter square tubing as a straight edge.
Doughless richhotrain Doughless I've reused my Atlas flex from previous layouts and its time to discard it. Switched over to Peco Code 83 and I like the way it holds its bend. It suits the way I lay track. Layout will be all Peco turnouts and Peco flex. Since I am using Peco turnouts on my new layout, I do like the idea of using Peco flex track. My problem with Peco flex track though is that I cannot lay it perfectly straight no matter how hard I try. Rich I haven't really tried long straight sections yet. Maybe use some small diameter square tubing as a straight edge.
DoughlessMaybe use some small diameter square tubing as a straight edge.
I can get Micro Engineering track down straight using a four-foot level for longer stratches, and various other items like a foot long metal ruler for smaller sections. Anything that's straight and rigid should work for any brand.
For my last layout, I got some of the Robbonrail tools, because going around the walls like it did, there were palces I couldn't do the usual sight down the track to make sure it was straight. Which was good in hindsight, since now I will only be looking with 1 1/2 eyes, so making anything straight by eye is probably not going to happen for me any more. I would lay a piece (usually 2 at a time) of track in the caulk, line it up as best as I could fromt he side, then run the straight Ribbonrail tool down the centerto knock it all in line. You're on your own for curves though, the curved Ribbonrail tools are of course a fixed radius so if you have easements, you can't just slide the tool along to force the curve. There are always Fast Tracks Sweep Sticks, I suppose.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I bought the Ribbonrail tools for 30 inch radius. I use sectional track for 24 inch radius.
-Kevin
Living the dream.