what type of n scale do you guys suggest using for a layout. is atlas one of the better brands to use. trying to make a dicision on what to use.
You generally can’t go wrong with Atlas track. Their code 80 line has been around a while, has a lot of accessories, and is very reliable. Their newer code 55 line looks much nicer, still a little weak on accessories (but getting better), but may not be able to run older loco’s and cars with big flanges. There is a long simmering debate on this, but Atlas designed their Code 55 track around NMRA specs while other manufactures had historically been making their wheel flanges out of spec (too big). Most current releases should run fine though.
Kato has a nice Unitrack system, but it’s fairly pricey.
Peco has a great code 55 line that doesn’t seem to have the same flange acceptance issues that the Atlas code 55 does. But it’s pricier and not as widely available as Atlas (It’s British).
Micro Engineering is yet another player, but is expensive and is typically used by more serious and selective modelers.
thanks for the info
I have moved and now because of space constraints I am going with N scale. What is the minimun munimum radius for curves running an SD 60m?
Tiggr
I am using the KATO Unitrack system and I really like it. Especially since I put down the track every year @ Thanksgivning and pull it up @ Super Bowl Time. When I was using the ATLAS, with HO (prior to moving to N Scale) while it was an excellent product, it just wasnt designed to be pulled up and down, which the KATO works well with. Just my Nickel (inflation from 2cents) of information.
I personally don’t own an Atlas SD-60M, but while most of these locos are made to run on tight radius curves, I wouldn’t try six axle units on anything tighter than 11” (just my opinion – I’m sure many could operate down to 9 ¾”). The big question becomes while they will operate on tight curves, will they look good (realistic) doing so? That is something that you’re going to have to decide for yourself.
In general, if you plan to run big six axle power (with long trains), I think it’s best to design your layout with as few (if any) sharp radius curves as possible.
Hope it works out.
I used Atlas Code-55 for my new N-Scale layout and couldn’t be more happy. It looks great, operates nice, and the price is right!
gtr
Peco flex track and switches every time! Have used it for HO and N Scale for over thirty years. If you can try Peco and Atlas(?) track in the same situation and go with what is right for you.
Best of luck!
What are anyones thoughts on Model Power flex track? How does it differ from Atlas?
Thanks for the Info guys. I guess I will go with the maximum radius of 14" that my layout will take.
Tiggr
Cost or no cost, I’m going the Micro Engineering code 55 route. I will, most likely, scratch-build my own switches ($2.50 to $3.50 per switch - ties and hardware included) so that will balance the tally book somewhat. I like MEs wooden ties and found that if I have to tear something out I can separate rail from wooden ties easier than from fiber ties (a la Atlas) and the rail can, therefore, be re-used for switches. I admit to liking BK switch kits but at seventeen bucks a pop that can blow a budget muy pronto.
I am sure some of you are asking, “Why does this idiot want to build his own switches?” Remember what Sir Edmund Hillary said about Everest? “Because it’s there!” Actually, there is a more practical reason: all #4s, #6s, and #8s look alike and get rather monotonous after awhile. How about #7 1/2s, #8 3/4s, or 10 5/8s? If I need it I’m going to make it. Model Railroading is Fun; it should not, necessarily, be mindless (no offense meant to anyone) and should instill a strong sense of creativity in each and every modeller.