I’m going to be using ALOT of Atlas Code 100 flextrack on my layout (between 300 and 400 feet), and I’ve been looking around for the best prices. So far the best I’ve found is at Standard Hobby Supply, which runs $2.19 per piece, or $187.50 for a box of 100 pieces (300 feet). First question… how come their price is so much lower they everybody else I’ve seen? Has their online store not been updated in a while? Everyone else runs between $2.50 and $3.50 per piece, with a full 100 piece box running between $225 and $250. I can’t even find anybody to beat that price on ebay.
Just wondering if there was a reason that their price was so much lower, vs the competition, before I place my order next week. Only thing I can come up with, is maybe they haven’t updated their web prices in a while. My layout will also have between 40 and 60 turnouts, and they also have the lowest price on Atlas #4’s and #6’s, so I’ll be buying alot of turnouts from them also.
Anybody know why so cheap? (I’m not complaining… just wondering why such a vast difference in prices from store to store)
I just bought a box from Standard Hobby, at the price you mentioned. I didn’t bother to wonder why they’re so much cheaper - I just took advantage of it.
I just checked the prices at toytrainheaven.com and firsthobby and both of them are higher (slightly) than standard hobby. If you just bought a box at that price Brunton, then I’ll definitely be placing an order next weeK! What did they charge you for shipping? Was it their standard flat rate $9.00?
Internet trains .com has atlas code 100 for 2.39 a piece but are offering free shipping for orders over $99.00.( coupon code -freeshipping-)
I’m still not sure if this beats standard but is worth checking.
I believe the Trainworld track is Model Power instead of Atlas – but I have used it and think the crossties are actually better looking than the ones on Atlas flex track. The only difference I can tell between the two, other than the size of the crossties, is that MP rail is a little stiffer and it used to be stamped “Made in Italy” on the bottom. The last Atlas track I saw is now made in China.
I’ve been using the model power track for 20 years because of it’s better detail, (I really hate those HUGE spike heads on the Atlas code 100, it’s usually the first giveaway in an otherwise excellent model photo). The MP track looks almost, dare I say it, like MicroEngineering ties!
As far as working with it, it’s actually less stiff than the atlas and you have to be little more carefull laying it to avoid kinks, but once it’s down maintenance and operation is identical. I have both nailed and glued it to the roadbed with equal results.
Actually, because of a mix-up in the order they shipped the wrong stuff. I returned it at my cost, and they didn’t charge me for shipping on the correct stuff.
I found the track price in their section on Atlas track products, so I assume they are offering Atlas track. I don’t know why they would call Atlas track Model Power.
I’ve ordere N-scale Atlas flex track (code 55) from Standard Hobby before. They were the cheapest on that, by far, when I ordered it. No problems, shipping cost was pretty typical. I was wondering how they did it, too. But since it did not burn a hole in the roadbed, whatever however they do it was okay by me.
According to their website, TrainWorld has 100 pieces of Model Power flex track for $99.00 (brown tie) and $119.00 (black tie). I purchased two boxes for my staging level and double track helix four years ago for the same price!!! I’m amazed the price has remained the same! As mentioned, the track is not quite as flexible as Atlas, but for my purposes, it was fine. The sceniced levels of my MA&G use Atlas Code 83 flex track and turnouts.
Believe it or not, I attended the GATS (Great American Train Show) in New Orleans last weekend and purchased a box of 100 pieces of NEW Atlas Code 83 track for $150.00!!! The vendor was getting out of the business and was getting rid of everything. My friend purchased 10 Proto 2000 FACTORY ASSEMBLED Mather Stock Cars for $5.00 each!!! You can’t even buy the Athearn kits for that price anymore.
On a previous layout, I used Micro-Engineering flex track. To me, it is the best looking track, but the most difficult to work with. It is so stiff that it is makes it hard to bend smoothly or straighten. I also used Walthers turnouts with unreliable results. Atlas Code 83 track has always proven to be bullet-proof. Once painted, ballasted and weathered, I think it holds up to any other brand. Check out my website and judge for yourself.
Why is it so much cheaper at Trainworld and Standard Hobby?
The same reason why supermarkets might mark certain items way down. Gets you into the store and if you buy the sirloin at $4.99 a pound you will probably buy a gallon of milk, butter, sour cream, potatos, bread, vegies, steak sauce and ice cream at their regular price.
Trainworld and Standard Hobby also make a profit on their shipping costs.
Maandg-Nice web site! Cool building-That looks bigger than 14 by 30.I like your portability idea.What are you using for heat and ac? My buildings 20 by 20 and I’m looking at one of those in the wall AC units with a heat strip.22,000 cool/17,000 heat.
You ever worry about one of those big trees falling on it?( I know I do with mine)