Atlas HO Code 83 tracks

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am very new to this hobby. Reading books, magazines and web sites to learn. I bought Atlas HO Code 83 tracks. I just want to find out is it a good product. I also have Bachmann EZ track and I am not very happy with it. I want to build my complete layout based on Atlas HO Code 83 tracks. Please let me know your opinions.

Thanks
Ken

[loathar]

I use Atlas code 83. I think it's good.Your gonna find a lot of people say they love it, and a lot of people say you need to spend twice as much for something else. If your working on a budget(Who isn't?) I think it's the way to go.
Godd luck and[#welcome]

[rexhea]

Ken
I very much agree with Loathar. I have about 675 feet of Atlas Flex code 83 N/S down and couldn't be happier with the performance. It is a little more expensive than some, but not out of reach of most budgets. Track and power are probably the most important thing on your layout. Buy good track and install it carefully and you will have hours of operating time without frustrating derails or electrical problems.

REX [:)]

[cwaldman]

The track is fine. I used only atlas the whole way.

Cletus

[Don Gibson]

ALL track works. Some look's more real than other's.
Advice: don't mix brand's (different manufacturing tolerances).

[BRAKIE]

I use Atlas C83 and have no complaints and IMHO you won't find any better..[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

I use Atlas C83 and have no complaints and IMHO you won't find any better..[:D]

[#ditto]

[Anonymous]

Their flex track is ok, their switches are lousy.
Do not use them as they fall apart and cause derailments.
Use Walthers, Micro Engineering, or Peco switches

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions !! I will go ahead and order Atlas HO Code 83.

Regards
Ken

[AntonioFP45]

I plan on using Atlas Code 83 Flex Track but my turnouts will be Peco.

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

I plan on using Atlas Code 83 Flex Track but my turnouts will be Peco.

Good move Antonio. I didn't like my Atlas turnouts (except #6's) and pulled most off the layout and replaced with Walthers.

[loathar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rexhea

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

I plan on using Atlas Code 83 Flex Track but my turnouts will be Peco.

Good move Antonio. I didn't like my Atlas turnouts (except #6's) and pulled most off the layout and replaced with Walthers.

Hey Rexhea-Can you be more specific about what you didn't like about them.(I'm not trying to start a track war here or anything) I see a lot of people make posts like yours about their switches but never a break down on what exactly failed in their switches?
This info might help me before I buy more of them than I already have.
Thanks

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Loathar,

I've used Atlas turnouts in the past and know other modelers that have too. Same problem, the turnout blades themselves. They can warp over time with use. These blades are "stamped" from the factory and not very strong, IMHO. Filing both ends of the blades at the points where they connect to the frog and main rails is usually helpful.

But since I'm ready to build a layout, I don't want to buy a product that, based on past experience, may cause headaches for my trains ( especially since I like running six axle engines, which are quite unforgiving over bad turnouts ).

Now, as for the newer generation Atlas switches, I don't know much about them. I looked at one at my LHS and was not overly impressed with the appearance, however, I admit that this is not a fair assessment.

Peco switches, while expensive seem to hold up quite well under punishment. So while it makes my wallet say [:O]"OUCH", I'm willing to spend the extra $$ for quality.

Peace out.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

I plan on using Atlas Code 83 Flex Track but my turnouts will be Peco.

I think this is a good plan!

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loathar

QUOTE: Originally posted by rexhea

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

I plan on using Atlas Code 83 Flex Track but my turnouts will be Peco.

Good move Antonio. I didn't like my Atlas turnouts (except #6's) and pulled most off the layout and replaced with Walthers.

Hey Rexhea-Can you be more specific about what you didn't like about them.(I'm not trying to start a track war here or anything) I see a lot of people make posts like yours about their switches but never a break down on what exactly failed in their switches?
This info might help me before I buy more of them than I already have.
Thanks

Sorry that I didn't clarify.[:I]. All of my Atlas #4's (about 15 used in yard ladder and spurs) had warped stock rails that couldn't be straightened and several had problems with the point rails as Antonio pointed out. When a string of cars went through, it was like a snake from turnout to turnout. This may be the way a prototypical track is, but it causes a lot of derails in HO, especially with steamers. I replaced all of them with Walthers #5's. I still have several Atlas #6's in place and haven't had any problem with those.

REX [:)]

[grayfox1119]

I am building a layout now, and after talking to may people in LHS's, and reading comments here in this forum, I went with Atlas Code 83 track, and I have purchased both Walthers and Peco turnouts.
As for Bachmann E-Z track, I have some of that also, but it is used strictly for a Christmas display village which must be set up and removed each season, so obviously this is the better choice for layouts that are not permanent.

[Don Gibson]

For me, the difference in turnout's is derailment's. All turnout's have gap's that cause wheel bounce and derailment's. I've used 6 different turnout design's and find Shinohara the best of all prefab's.

Nothing beat's the solid rail frog and continuous rail point's of a 'Railway Engineering' or B&K' kit.

http://www.railwayeng.com/turnouts.htm

[Anonymous]

I got rid of my Bachmann ez track and I am planning on using the code 83.

[Anonymous]

After reading all reviews , I bought couple of Atlas HO code 83 tracks and installed it. I feel there is a huge difference between the two tracks. I just love the Atlas Code 83 tracks. I have just one Bachmann set (Micknely Explorer). I am planning to do some research on DCC .

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Ken

[loathar]

To all the above informative posters-Thank you for the Atlas switch do's and dont's.I have not encountered these problems,but will watch out for them and make my future purchases based on your help.
THANX[tup]

[Anonymous]

Very good information , but I am also in the process of acquiring massive
amounts of Atlas code 83 and am undecided whether or not "Snap" switches
are worth the investment ? From all appearances, it seems that snap-switches
are very similar to the #4 turnouts ...so is there any reason at all to buy an
(Atlas) snap switch ?
My layout is HO using DCC, approx 9' x 13', of a contemporary era, and is
based on a fictional prototype of an intermodal port and harbor in the northeast region of the U.S.
Please provide further opinions, experience, and advice regarding ALL of the Atlas line of turnouts.

[AntonioFP45]

JRoach

As I replied earlier to Loathar:[;)]

I've used Atlas turnouts in the past and know other modelers that have too. Same problem, the turnout blades themselves. They can warp over time with use. These blades are "stamped" from the factory and not very strong, IMHO. Filing both ends of the blades at the points where they connect to the frog and main rails is usually helpful.

But since I'm ready to build a layout, I don't want to buy a product that, based on past experience, may cause headaches for my trains ( especially since I like running six axle engines, which are quite unforgiving over bad turnouts ).

Now, as for the newer generation Atlas switches, I don't know much about them. I looked at one at my LHS and was not overly impressed with the appearance, however, I admit that this is not a fair assessment.

Peco switches, while expensive seem to hold up quite well under punishment. So while it makes my wallet say [:O]"OUCH", I'm willing to spend the extra $$ for quality.

Peace out.

[BRAKIE]

Well,maybe I been lucky with Atlas switches as I don't have any problems out of my #4s..The club uses size 4(class yards and industrial areas) and # 6 elsewhere..We don't have any problems with any of these switches..We operate twice a week for 5 or more hours on a point to point single track with passing sidings layout..All trains must be reclassified upon entering a yard.
Needless to say our switches see a lot of use.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jroach1298

Very good information , but I am also in the process of acquiring massive
amounts of Atlas code 83 and am undecided whether or not "Snap" switches
are worth the investment ? From all appearances, it seems that snap-switches
are very similar to the #4 turnouts ...so is there any reason at all to buy an
(Atlas) snap switch ?

"Snap" switches are not equivalent to #4s -- the turn-off side is actually a short piece of 18" radius track, to make it easier to place the switch for simple 4x8' layouts. You don't want to use them. Stick with the Atlas #4 (which is actually a 4.5), or as others have suggested Peco or Walthers switches.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for the honest replies re: Snap-switches. I guess I'll use the couple (which
I already bought) in my short industrial sidings which won't need to accomodate
large locos or fast moving freight like the mainline.
Jim