I am getting ready to set up a small (4x8) HO layout to expand my grandsons’ interest in model trains. I am going with DCC Digitrax Super Chief.
I am wondering if I should lay atlas 83 track or peco 83 track… any other suggestions would be appreciated. Also, if there is a better choice than what I have laid out, I am all ears.
I have used both brands, and both brands of turnout.
Peco is more costly, but contolling the turnouts can be done by hand as they come out of the box, and snap from one side to the other and stay there.
On a 4x8 I would subjest that availiblity should be a consideration.
Dave
I’ve always used Atlas, but this time I am using Peco. Mainly because there are more turnout options with Peco. Mst palces seem to have Atlas 83 back in stock, but there’s never been an issue with Peco. Yes, it costs more, but the detail is nicer, and with Electrofrog turnouts you have (after a couple of jumper moves) a rock solid piece of trackwork with optimized electrical contact for reliability. Not that I ever had problems with Atlas 83 anywhere.
–Randy
I used Peco for the current layout based on the availablilty of curved turnouts. That lead me to using their other turnouts for the rest of the layout and also their flex track. I like that I don’t need switch machines of any sort and I also like that the flex track stays bent after you bend it. It made it easier to solder in the corners. That being said, Atlas makes a decent product and is quite a bit cheaper.
When it comes to quality and availability of any turnout you need, it is always PECO in my experiance. I am N Scale but it’s just the same for HO Scale and other scales and made in England. My new build is all Peco. Doug
Why does it have to be either, or? Use both, if you want.
If you do use both, just know that the rail has a different profile from Atlas to Peco. You’ll have to see which joiner works best.
My preference has always been for Peco; primarily because of the built in spring. However, I am using Micro Engineering code 83 turnouts on a custom layout I am building, and I must say, they look better than Pecos, and operate the same way.
It is all personal preference and there is no one clear “Best” as far as manufacturers are concerned. As you can see, everyone has an opinion and opinions are like (What)?
I use Atlas Code 83 Flextrack and Shinohara turnouts. Altas track is forgiving, has good detail and has convincing ties that are easy to cut and drill by hand for RR spikes.
Are you talking sectional track or flex track?
I’m freely mixing Peco and Atlas on my layout in staging (code 100) and profile has not cause any issues - I’ve used ordinary Atlas rail joiners there, which will work with code 100 or code 83.
For what it’s worth Peco code 100 details are English, not US/North American in case it matters, it may not. Most don’t really notice.
Atlas turnouts are ok, but I’ve found they operate best or most reliably if you do a little tweaking - I followed some tips from Model Railroader magazine and filed the points to a bevel so there is less likelihood of derailments. Peco points are nice and sharp, out of the box, and fit snugly when thrown to either side. They also have a built in spring so you don’t have to spend money on a turnout machine (manual or electric).
As for cost, Peco cost more than Atlas, but the code 100 is more reasonable than the newer code 83. Peco code 83 is very expensive compared to Atlas code 83 - for example Atlas code 83 is about $14 each (MBK) and Peco is nearly double that. If you can afford Peco, I’d go for it. If you are on a tight budget, Atlas will save you alot of money.
I’ve used mostly Atlas track and turnout but if I had to do it over again, I would seriously consider Peco turnouts for reasons others have mentioned. As far as the flex track, Atlas is easy to work with and is reliable. No reason you can’t use both.
Because the dimension/profile of the rail web & foot are slightly different between different brands. You may find that rail joiners don’t fit properly when mixing different brands. There are also differences in tie height/thickness.
I’m rebuilding & expanding a 30 year old layout. I decided to use Peco because of the turnouts which are of impecable quality.
Since the OP doesn’t sound like an experienced hobbyist, I’d recommend sticking with one brand for now. Beginners can experience a lot of frustration with the challenges of mixing brands due to differences in rail cross sesction and tie dimensions. I can switch back and forth with confidence because I’ve done so much trackwork over the years, but I’d hesitate suggesting a combination of one brand’s turnouts with another brand of flex to someone just starting out.
Sorry for not being specific. I am using code 83 Atlas flextrack. It is nickle silver
All of the current crop of code 83 track systems have their plus/con’s. The big issue is how good the the person who lays the track(and builds the structure under that track). I have seem layouts built with plain old Atlas Code 100 perfoirm flawless at layout tours. I have also seen poorly planned and constructed layouts with thousands of $'s of Walthers/Shinohara turnouts that had non-stop derailments. Our club layout has Atlas code 100, and performs quite well. A friend has Walthers/Shinohara code 83 and it performs great. I visited a layout with Peco trackage and they were having lots of electrical contact issues with the points. I suspect the ballasting job was the real issue there.
The bottom line is the craftsmanship of the builder!
Jim