I am looking to get some track for an N scale layout that I am now planning. I find that Atlas code 55 track (both flex and turnouts) seems to be out of stock in most web retailers. Is there some problem with supply?
Thanks in advance.
Haven’t heard anything officially. but it sounds like the same problem that HO was having late last year and early this. Atlas changed manufacturers (not sure if by choice or necessity) and there was a gap in their receipt of products. HO stuff seems to be getting restocked.
Good luck,
Richard
N scale code 55 has not been available for quite a while. I was told there was some problem with one of the suppliers (not sure if it was a quality problem or one of those legendary fires that wipes out a facility, similar to what happens in the computer component business every so often). That triggered the switch, but by then Atlas was already behind the power curve.
When I started construction this fall I wound up switching to MicroEngineering code 55. I had a stock of Atlas code 55 switches. I can say the rest of my flex track will be ME. I’ll stick with Atlas turnouts, provided I can get them. I’ve also heard rumors that the supply was supposed to ease up a bit about this time of year, so I guess we’ll see soon enough.
My thanks to Richard and Mark for replying so quickly!
I should explain that I have been an HO modeler for many years and am now dipping my toes in N scale.
My layout will be pretty simple so it looks like the best approach is to just use Microengineering for now.
Atlas’ expected arrival dates for track are on-line at their site:
http://www.atlasrr.com/containershipping-track.htm
Just checked the page linked to by Byron up above (thanks greatly) and indeed I would have to wait well into fall for the next batch of Atlas code 55 turnouts - there is still some available but I can’t be sure it will still be available by the time I’ve finished planning.
Anyway, it looks like Atlas’ loss will be Micro Engineering’s gain.
http://www.pacific-western-rail.com/view_product.php?ProductID=44620
http://www.pacific-western-rail.com/view_product.php?ProductID=163191
FWIW, I have been ordering ME code 55 flex in bundles of 6 x 3 feet pieces from MB Klein (modeltrainstuff.com). I checked the other day and they had a decent stock of both weathered, and non-weathered, as well as some with concrete ties. I’ve dealt with them for years (used to live in the DC area) and they are generally the lowest price on ME flex track.
I use the weathered version for visible track and non-weathered for staging. A Bright Boy or similar abrasive track cleaner can be used to take the weathering off the tops of the rails of the weathered track.
ME is stiffer than Atlas, and will hold its shape once you bend it (not as stiff as the old Atlas fiber tie flex track). That makes it easier to form it in the shape you need, then take it off-layout to trim and file the ends, and return it to its final resting place.