I want to buy some of MEs stuff but see no photos or description of their products on their website.
Are their structure kits wood or styrene or cardboadr? How is the quality? Is code 83 HO flextrack available un weathered?
These questions should be answered on their web I feel.
Their item 10-104 is listed as code 83 non-weathered flex-track. ($32.95). For the difference in price, I might consider the weathered item 12-104 ($34.55). From what I can tell, the track is sold in 18 foot bundles (six 3-foot sections). See their retail price list, http://www.microengineering.com/RETAIL_PRICE_LIST.pdf
Their structures/buildings are plastic. I have some of the structure kits but have not assembled them yet, so I cannot speak to their quality. However, I have built several of their deck and through girder bridges and my opinion is that they are very good considering their relatively inexpensive cost.
All ME flex track and rail is made in both weathered and unweathered versions. But availability of all sizes and all versions is not always guaranteed due to being a family-owned and run small company and the consequences of batch manufacturing a product that is hard on dies and tooling.
I should note that the flex track with the weathered rail is noticeably harder to flex than the unweathered rail. But the weathered rail looks pretty good to my eye.
ME flex track is normally sold through hobby and on-line shops, not direct. That combined with being a small company means that the benefits to ME of a full-blown web site may not be worth the expense to set up and maintain. Speculation on my part, but could be true. I know model manufacturers that have no web or e-mail presence whatsoever, yet their order books are filled.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
All ME flex track and rail is made in both weathered and unweathered versions. But availability of all sizes and all versions is not always guaranteed due to being a family-owned and run small company and the consequences of batch manufacturing a product that is hard on dies and tooling.
I should note that the flex track with the weathered rail is noticeably harder to flex than the unweathered rail. But the weathered rail looks pretty good to my eye.
ME flex track is normally sold through hobby and on-line shops, not direct. That combined with being a small company means that the benefits to ME of a full-blown web site may not be worth the expense to set up and maintain. Speculation on my part, but could be true. I know model manufacturers that have no web or e-mail presence whatsoever, yet their order books are filled.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Just do a google search and you’ll often find photos of ME stuff on other websites. Like Walthers
Hey just some feedback after having purchased my first ME products…Im very impressed. I have built two of their 85’ open deck bridges, almost finished building the 210’ Tall Steel Viaduct and a 60’ extension, and 3 pieces of Flex Code 83 Bridge Track. All have been nicely detailed, high quality models. The Viaduct was missing 2 sprues of material, but a phone call (and more importantly a friendly & helpful person at the other end of the line) got me some replacements. I am very happy with my purchases.
I suppose buying weathered or non weathered depends on what you plan to do after you lay the track. the non weathered doesn’t really need cleaning for feeder wires or soldering rail joiners. I plan to airbrush mine after laying it so I have the none weathered. the detail and quality is very good, I think. It is delicate, so be very carefull especially when cutting pieces to length.
have fun,
Philip