I just started building a n scale layout and plan to use Fleischman tracks. For the lower Schattenbahnhof, I started using atlas n80 track, but it seems that the Fleischman loco gets stuck on atlas turnouts. Does anyone have experience with Fleischman locos on atlas track?
Klaus G - Welcome to trains.com! [C):-)]
If the turnout has a plastic frog (the y-shaped piece where the tracks diverge), and the locomotive does not have a long enough wheelbase with adequate electrical pick ups, it would cause a stall. This has historically been a problem with Atlas code 80 N scale turnouts, especially the #6 turnouts.
If your locomotive is not stalling on the plastic frog, make sure the track gauge is correct.
Another possible problem is if the moveable rails in the turnout are not securely attached, one or both of the rails might flex when a train runs through, and that will cause a derailment.
I hope this helps.
Actually, most newer Fleischmann locos should not have a problem running on Atlas code 80 rail. Older locos and rolling stock still have “pizza-cutter” flanges, same as old Arnold and Minitrix stock.
Btw, a “Schattenbahnhof” (= shadow station) is called hidden staging.
Good to see another German speaking member joining the forum - we are not that many in here.
It looks like the wheels of the locomotive are too large to run over the frogs. So I probably should just stay with Fleischman turnouts. The locomotive has no problem running on the regular Atlas tracks, just the turnouts.