Atlas Vs. Micro Engineering flextrack.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am modeling NJ Transit (obviously) and would like to use a mixture of concrete and wooden tie track.

  1. What are tho pros and cons of Atlas and Micro Engineering?

  2. How can I easily weather track? I know that Micro Engineering has pre-weatherd track.

  3. What is the cheapest source in your opinion for track? (Micro Engineering or Atlas whichever, you prefer)

(Edit) I am goign to use code 83 unless there is a big price break in code 100.

2

  1. Atlas flexes more than ME, but a lot of modelers feel ME is better made.

  2. I have some pre-weathered ME track. Basically, the rails are dark brown. The plastic ties are still unpainted plastic. You can airbrush track as long as the rail heads and any other electrical contact points are masked off. ME also sells the chemical they use to weather their rails online.

  3. Atlas is cheaper, but the modelers I’ve spoken to swear by ME flextrack.

Notes that I’ve only just bought the stuff (ME Code 83 weathered flex track) and haven’t started tracklaying with it yet. I’m still in the planning phase for my layout and am currently using Atlas Code 100 snap-track for the rare occassions I can set up a layout.

3

I’ve always used Atlas Code 83 flex track and have never had any problems with it. I didn’t really think there was much difference between the two.

4

I have both Atlas and ME, and I buy nothing but ME track now. I like the looks, tand he quality of ME track…

5

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I offer this to you:

Atlas Code 83 in the foreground, Micro Engineering Code 83 in the background. I would suggest not using the pre-weathered flex from ME; you’ll still need to weather your turnouts and all of the ties, so the pre-weathering isn’t an advantage. The pre-weathered track is more difficult to shape than the non-weathered ME track. The ME track will take as much curve as you want to put into it; Atlas is like a big spring that won’t stay where you put it until it is fastened down.

Don Z.

6

I have been experimenting with both for a while, and have personally decided that the ME track is the way to go. It looks a LOT better, and I like being able to form a radius and have it stay.

I am not saying that Atlas is bad. This is just my personal opinion. I really like their turnouts as well, although they only come in a #6.

7

Anyone know of a store that sells ME track cheaper then Walthers?

Magnus

8

The ME looks better but is about twice the price.

9

I have built a large layout using Shinohara (Walthers) Code 83 flex track and turnouts; Atlas Code 100 turnouts and flex track; and Atlas Code 83 turnouts and flex track. I used the Walthers turnouts on my previous layout because Atlas did not have anything higher than a #6 turnout. Atlas now makes a Code 83 #8 turnout. I like the Atlas Code 83 flex track and buy it in a box of 100 sections at a significant cost savings.

My new layout is all Atlas Code 83. I glue the track down on cork roadbed with latex caulk. I use push pins to hold the shape of the flex track until the caulk dries; about 15 minutes.

10

I’m not sure about ME, but Atlas dosn’t make concrete tie track. The only brand I’m aware of that makes/made concrete tie track is Peco. My LHS used to carry or spec order it, but only on box quantitys (10 or 25 pcs?). If anyone else makes concrete ties, I’m sure some of the forum members will let you know. My [2c]

11

Atlas makes concrete ties.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-502

and so does ME:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=&scale=H&manu=MICRO+ENGINEERING&item=&keywords=83&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search

Magnus

12

Micro Engineering !

13

Exactly the information source I was using.

14

I STAND CORRECTED!!![:I]

15

I’ve used Atlas track for many years and it is very good and reliable. For my most recent railroad, I used code 70 Micro Engineering track and turnouts and was very impressed. It worked great, held the curve, and looks very realistic. I can’t say how durable it will be. I’ve been told that it doesn’t work well for modules and portable layouts because it won’t take the abuse Atlas track can. - Nevin

16

For me, looks is more important than price, and I use ME track. However, I use Atlas track in hidden staging areas to save money.

I prefer ME’s ability to hold its shape – and definitely stay away from the ME weathered track. The coating on the rails makes the ties bind easier while trying to shape the track, so I don’t find it worth the hassle.

Once ME track has been nicely weathered and ballasted, it’s hard to beat its realism:


(click image to enlarge)