Hello to all. I’ve been out of model railroading for about 10 years but now I’m looking to get back into it thanks to a new house. My question is, who makes the most realistic yet affordable track. I would prefer brass but nickle silver is okay. Brown ties would be good as well. Thanks for the info.
The standard answer is that Atlas makes the best track, sectional and flex track. There are other more expensive companies that pay more attention to details, I think PECO is one. It depends on how you want to model, alot of people seem to be using the track with the roadbed on it, like Unitrack. I always found these to be of varying quality, and appearance.
Either way, good luck with it and welcome back to the hobby.
Jim, I don’t think anyone even makes brass track anymore? NS, is the standard now. Atlas code 100 is inexpensive and of reasonable quality. Their code 83 is more prototypical. (I am assuming HO?). Peco makes excellent track and turnouts. The Code 100 is not particulary suited to the US, but the new code 83 is based on US prototype. However, it is more expensive. If budget is important, I would go with Atlas. Other companies, Microengineering make really detailed track, but you will pay for this.
Stay away from brass track. I use nickel silver code 83 Atlas track and turnouts with no problems.
Atlas makes the best to me far as the price goes.Peco makes the best turnouts far as I’am concern.
By far the best looking track out there IMO is
SHINOHARA
Far better looking then Atlas.
MOST REALISTIC
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Shinohara / Walthers
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micro Engineering
Walthers is more realistic but about twice as much as Atlas track and Walthers makes curved turnouts and other special pieces, not to mention the greater variety of standard turnout sizes.
soumodeler
The Southern Serves the South!
I have to disagree with some posters…Micro engineering track and switches look a lot better than Shinohara to my eyes…And I have compared them side by side (I have both on my layout)…as far as Atlas being the best track maker…Depends on who you ask.
It seems this topic comes up about twice a week
see this thread
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33690
Thanks for all the replies. I did a search but did not come up with anything; sorry for the duplicate post. This forum is a little different from others I frequent so it might take me a little while to adjust.
I’d say the new Peco Code 83 is probably the best compromise between realism and reliable operation, but I’m told it’s rather expensive over there? If you want standard non-roadbed track here then Peco is your only choice really - Hornby offer track but the switches don’t look as good as the Peco ones to my mind.
I have to agree with Trainnut1250, I do like Shinohara turnouts but for the money ME track just looks better to me, paired with PECO turnouts you really can’t go wrong.