Hard to get Atlas Code 83 Track???

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, all

I have a layout in the planning/purchasing materials phase. Plan to use HO Atlas code 83 and now have @30 pieces of this in flex track (no other track but this yet). Tonight, I tried to compare internet prices for Atlas code 83 Customline Turnouts…#4 and #6…other pieces too…crossings etc. UNAVAILABLE…backorderd everywhere I looked!! Thought I was picking a non-exotic track that would always be available. At a standstill until I can get the needed turnouts… Don’t think I want to choose another track because I have about $150 in the Atlas code 83 flex track. Any ideas or guidance on this issue will be much appreciated. I went to Train Sets Only…Hobby Inc…Walthers…and even the Atlas site’s store. Thanks for any help!!

Mike

2

Hmmm… it IS a rather well known fact that Atlas code 83 is way backordered… but you can use other code 83 track?!? Heck, you could easily sell your atlas flex and go all Peco to be sure to use all from the same mfg.

3

http://billstrains.com/home.php?cat=424

He shows 66 pcs in stock. He has live inventory so it should be correct. I have bought from him and he has great prices. Had a question and he answered real fast. Good luck.

Maybe one day Atlas will get caught up witha all the basic track items.

Sorry, but i now see he is out of switches also. Keep him in mind, tho. The Atlas container shipping schedule shows the Code 83 customline switches are due in JUNE. You will have to be on the spot as a lot of other’s will be looking for them also.

Also, try MB Klein(ModelTrainStuff.com)

4

Maybe this backorder proves that the Model Railroad Hobby is as healthy as ever since there is such demand for this basic item.

5

Gidday Mike, do not despair, there are alternatives, here’s some links that may give you heart…

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/180408.aspx

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/202051.aspx

The light at the end of the tunel is not necessarily a train coming the other way.[swg]

Cheers, the Bear.

6

Great point !

Sell that Atlas flex track and make a tidy profit. It is a seller’s market.

Rich

7

Maybe it proves the opposite. The hobby is so dead that Atlas sees no reason to manufacture such a basic item any longer. [:-^]

Rich

8

Yes. The pallbearers are standing by the casket and the bagpipers begin playing “Amazing Grace”.[(-D][:-^]

9

Have you tried Amazon?

10

I use Atlas Code 83 flex track with Walthers-Shinohara turnouts. I find that this combination works very well. I use Atlas snap-switches in the back where looks aren’t that important. I must say, though, that once I started using Tortoises I never bought another snap switch.

You don’t have to stick to one brand of track.

11

Same here, Atlas code 83 flex with Walthers code 83 turnouts, and Atlas #6 code 83 turnouts as well. I’ll be mixing some code 70 in the yard for realism as well.

12

We are (slowly) catching up on the track production. You can keep track of what is coming and when at this link http://www.atlasrr.com/containershipping-track.htm

The factory making our track is shipping us a container about every 3 weeks. We expect to have received at least one shipment of each of the code 83 turnouts by August, if they hold to their schedule.

13

There is a huge pent up demand. I exepct dealers will sell initial deliveries quickly. So be prepared to order as soon as you see it. I have watched places like MB Klein go through a lot of Atlas code 100 in a very short time.

Good luck

Paul