I just recently received a decent bonus from work and I got the ok from the wife to finally splurge a little extra on the RR. Currently I have about 20 good full peices of code 100 flex track and about 15 LH and RH turnouts, also C100. I've basically been using those peices to try and configure certain areas and see what works..... But ultimately I want code 83 for all mainline and smaller for sidings... So now I've got the extra $$ and want to just buy all the flex track by the case... I see that in the MR ad for trainworld, they have model power 36" code 83 flex track in a pack of 100 for $190. Anyone know of this track? And what other makers produce quality flex track by the bundle that I could check out?
I also plan on getting my DCC set... I can only spend about $300-$400 on my starter set. Nothing fancy yet.. Wireless would be nice but not neccesary. I need to accomodate at least 2 throttles. I've searched past posts, but there seems to be newer stuff out there every year. So what do you guys think of so of the digital stuff out there?? MRC prodigy? Digitrax? Lenz? Bachman?
And if I buy a DCC starter set, how much other stuff will I need to get on top of that? Ok sorry for the rambling... I'm just excited to get the ball rolling for this spring and the addition of all my soon to be purchases. Thanks for all your help.
Mike
I personally do not like Model Power track. I would suggest staying with Atlas. Peco & Walthers is nice but $$$. On your DCC question. I have Digitrax and prefer there system, do to the fact they also make Block detector and Signal control systems. I currently have A 8amp command station and 4 boosters do to my layout size 30x40. You could get a Cheif system and it would grow nicely as you get more funds.
I agree with Jeff on the flextrack,I know Atlas is more expensive,but You lay track once given it's done right. You might look at the NCE pro cab, too . Good luck & maybe You better buy the 'lil woman a valentine present ,too.
Hi!
I totally agree with "Knowcents"! Atlas code 100 flex has served me well for many, many years. And with a little rail and tie paint wash, it really looks good. Yes, you can get "better", but you will pay the extra money that may or may not be worth it to you.
I've got a Digitrax 5 amp with a second booster and two DCC Specialties 4 circuit breaker sets that give me a total of 8 power districts. I started with the super chief set, and added the empire builder as it gave me an additional DT400 throttle, a second booster, and a hookup for less money than if I bought them separately. I won't argue "which DCC is better" because I am unqualified to do so, but will say that Digitrax is one of the leading mfgs, and been around for some time, and a lot of the layouts you read about in MR mags use the system.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Once the track is down and ballasted, you won't be able to tell any difference between Atlas, Peco, Shinohara, Model Power, or any other brand as long as it is all nickel silver.
Every time these two questions (track and DCC) come up, which is almost weekly, the answer is always, "This brand is BEST because that's what I use." It's only natural that users recommend what they use, without ever having used a different brand.
Over the years I've used Atlas, Peco, Shinohara, and Model Power track products and can't tell much difference between any of them except the quality of the turnouts.
Mike,
I have heard 'good & bad' things about the MP Flex - some of it is real n/s and others have said it is steel. I use Atlas flex and I like the way it curves.
DCC - you are looking for something 'expandable' and can support at least 2 throttles(wireless if possible) - Right? Adding wireless right now is going to 'break the bank'.
With Digitrax, you can get a DCS050(Zephyr) & 2 DT400 throttles for about $440. You can later upgrade your DT400 throttles to 'wireless' later for about $50 each and get the wireless receiver(UR91) for a little over $100. The Zephyr is expandable, and will handle 10 engines at the same time. It also can have a computer attached.
With NCE, you can get a 'Powercab' system for about $150, but the expansion is going to cost you as you add things like the SB3 booster & throttles. The computer interface is a cab bus 'add-on'. Both of these systems are quite nice.
Check with the rest of the guys in your area(CF/Eau Claire) - I was on a layout tour out there last year and saw a couple of nice layouts with DCC - Find out why they bought the system they have. I know you want to 'spend' the money, but just take your time.
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
In my defense of what "I recommend" I have used all the above mentioned track and I choose Atlas. The Model power track does not bend for curves very well as the track I had did not "Flex" very well.
Also, I have operated on all the current DCC systems as well.
Jeff,
I understand the concern with the Model Power flex track not bending easily although I've heard the same complaint about Micro Engineering and Walthers/Shinohara track. On a previous thread, I had asked whether anyone could give me their opinions on Model Power track but didn't get any responses more specific than "don't like it." Since you obviously have some experience with it, can you please describe the Model Power track in quality, dimension, detail and appearance, especially when compared to Atlas Code 83 flex track. One hundred pieces of nickel silver Code 83 flex track for $190 is hard to ignore when the same bundle of Atlas Code 83 will cost at least $310.
Hornblower
I also was in the market for flex track, had the very same questions, and mostly got the same answers you have gotten so far.Here are my comments: (Now keep in mind I’ve yet to have much practical experience. Just been doing some testing)Atlas vs. MP (code 83)The main reason with the difference in flexibility when compared with Atlas has to do with the cuts in the tie. If you flip over the track you will notice that on one side the ties are cut every second tie. Both brands do this. However, the opposite rail on the MP track has NO TIE CUTS. This decreases flexibility. The Atlas brand has FOUR cuts, or approximately every 37 ties. If you want to use the track for curves, just cut the plastic in the opposing MP rail. BUT, for laying STRAIGHT track, I’ve found it’s nice to have the stiffer MP.The MP rail is also thicker or “beefier” than the Atlas. They are both the same height, hence the code 83, but looking at them you can see the difference. This may also lead to a tad more stiffness....The color of the rails is also different. The MP is much more shinny and a different color. I can’t remember where I got this info, and I could be wrong, but for some reason it’s in my mind; the reason for this is that MP puts copper in the rail.....?? In any case - it is what it is.The tie detail is slightly better with the Atlas - as the simulated wood grain is more pronounced. The ties on the MP are thicker and bit more beefy looking.... guess this goes along with the rail. The spikes are also bigger than Atlas. Again, this may contribute to the MP tracks stiffer quality. MP track also has pre-drilled holes about every 18 ties. The Atlas does not.The last comparison is the cost, which has already been posted.As for the Mico Eng, I decided not to use the ME as I could not justify the huge price differential with my new layout. Were I to have a much smaller layout, then I might reconsider..... It is nice, no question.I hope this helps and please keep in mind that I’ve only set up temporary test runs in a 8x10 room. In the end, I went with MP and got a case about two/three months ago.
Oh.... and one other thing, I'm Italian and, well, yah don't mess with da family
Our 20 x 40 foot HO scale club layout and our outdoor modular layout uses a mix of Model Power and Atlas code 100 track, about 50 / 50. I think MP track's crossties are a more realistic size than Atlas. The code 83 may be different, but Atlas code 100 ties are, to me at least, too wide.
Holes in the ties for nails are immaterial to me because I always use latex caulking to fasten the track instead of nails of any type. For this reason, I chose Peco code 83 flex track for my home layout because it has no unsightly holes in any of the ties.
On the MP and Atlas code 100 HO track, the rail cross section was exactly the same dimension. Atlas and Peco code 83 rail is of different width on the foot, with Peco being narrower.
For code 100, I prefer Model Power flex track and for code 83, Peco is my choice.
Well thanks for all the help fellas. You all provided a lot of good info. I'll be doing a little more research, but its hard to ignore the price of MP flex track.
On the DCC matter... I have been leaning towards Digitrax. It seems to be very user friendly with a lot of upgrades available. I'll be researching DCC a little more also. Again thanks for ll your responses.
Get ya a box of Atlas flex and a Digitrax Zepher to start out with. You will learn the curves and if ya need to upgrade just have to get a booster. Kevin
I'd stick with Atlas track.
Also, I've been looking at DCC for a while, I'd suggest you go NCE, seems like their powercab gives you a heck of a lot for the money (and it's much cheaper than Digitrax's Zephyr, and the MRC is only a little bit cheaper). It seems like it will be easy to expand, and also can handle a second throttle with no add-ons (the main panel has a plug for a second throttle)
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
I am using Micro Eng. becuse I got a great deal ( 36 weathered sections of new code 100 for $40) at a local RR swap meet. If your new RR has a lot of straight sidings or huge yards I would put in the cheaper MP flex & do the main line in the Atlas.
My railroad has two brands of track, Micro Engineering and handlaid. The handlaid was done during the time I was working on my MMR with the NMRA, and handlaying track was part of the achievement award. This track has been in place over 20 years. The rest is Micro Engineering, which I have used for years. A lot of the original railroad (started in 1984) is ME code 100. The rest is code 83 and code 70. Switches are (1) handlaid for same reason as track, (2) some Shinohara (now Walthers) and (3) Peco, which is the largest number on the railroad.
ME has served me very well, has been laid on all three decks of the layout in a space 35ft by 28ft, and even though more expensive, I deem it worth the price.
Bob