Hi All:
Planning a new N scale layout and wanted to change from Peco to either Atlas or Micro Engineering Track.
As we know, Atlas stuff is rarer than rocking horse teeth, so, how good is Micro Engineering? I’ve read some reviews saying their turnouts are awful. Is this so? Until Atlas becomes available again i can’t buy a sample of each to test.
Any thoughts?
I have a #6 turnout, on simple DC operation my locos don’t make it past the frog. I guess you have to wire it up or something, but honestly I’ve minimized my layout plan and changed it to something else so I can make do with what turnouts there are on the market right now.
My first build over 25 years ago was Shinohara code 70 which is not available now days so when I started my new design and build I am working on now I looked at ME and found the track was available but even calling them didn’t do any good for locating many turnouts that I needed for the new build. So I always new that PECO was a very good product with any turnout configuration needed and no problem locating it in quantity. The track spacing is not quite US standard but I knew after ballasting it would look good. Also it is more expensive but I love the fact that the rail is real good looking compared to the wider Shinohara rail tops of the past… My track and wiring, ballasting and track painting, are done now and I am really happy I choose PECO C55 with electrofrog turnouts. Especially when I needed special curved turnouts for the new build. Also I have had no problems with stalls on turnouts and yes I do keep them clean. Also with PECO you can curve a section of flex track and it will stay in that curve and not spring back like Atlas. When laying the track I really liked this feature which the old Shinohara also would do. This is just my experience. I hope the information will help you in your decision. Doug
I’ve used the current production ME turnouts in HO. The rails diverging from the isolated frog are not jumpered and you must supply power with feeders (or solder to the next rail that does have power, or whatever).
that confirms it then, thank you WP!
I started construction back in November of a new N-scale layout. My intent was to use Atlas code 55 flex track on the lower (staging) level and on the helix that spins down to it, and ME weathered flex track on the visible areas. I have a pretty good stock of new ME weathered flex I bought for my last effort, which got aborted 7 years ago for the move down here to Hooterville. My intent was to use Atlas code 55 turnouts.
When I got to laying the first of three or four phases of construction, which included both lower and upper level sections, we know the story. You can’t buy Atlas code 55 with a ski mask and gun. Debating between Peco and ME, I opted for the unweathered ME code 55 and love the stuff. I like the fact that it is stiffer, so I can shape it, remove it so it can be cut and filed on the workbench (with the magnifying light) and then returned without having to reshape it. I have 2 or 3 more phases to build (depending on how many chunks I break construction into), and I would stick with ME even if Atlas comes back in stock.
As for turnouts, phase 1 has the fewest turnouts of any section, and I have more than enough Atlas 5’s and 7’s from my last effort to carry me through. In fact, I can probably get through phase 2 and possibly phase 3 before I need more. That is probably 2 years away, and if Atlas is still impossible to get, I’ll have to assess.
Keep in mind there are two versions of ME turnouts. The older version, and the newer DCC versions. The few user comments I’ve read say that the newer ones work fine. Of course, the problem is they only offer #6s, which for me would result in some redesign (the main yard is yet to be built).
I like Atlas turnouts well enough, but they are not bullet proof. Peco are certainly more rugged.
I’m hoping I don’t have to make that decision, but we’ll see. I did manage to wander into a half dozen #7s at a nearby
I am building a N scale layout on a door and have completed all my trackwork and wiring. Before I started I bought samples of MicroEngineering track and turnouts and also Atlas.
I went with the ME flex and don’t regret doing so. It is in some ways harder to make a curve than Atlas but it stays in the shape you bend it. I used the weathered track but would not do so again as it is hard to get the stuff off when it is time to join lengths and do the wiring especially soldering. You also need to weather the turnouts to the match which is a pain.
Although they only make a #6 turnout I think they are well made and they have a spring like Peco so you don’t need groundthrows. I did use Atlas #5’s in my yard but I don’t think they look quite as good nor do they seem to be as well made. I also am not fond of the grossly out of scale Caboose ground throws but I have no real option as I don’t want under layout motorized throws.
All in all I am happy with the track and turnouts and find they perform well. Besides the ME track is made in the US which although is still ‘foreign’ for me, I’d rather buy from a neighbour.
CN Charlie