Thinking ahead here I want to start purchasing track for my layout. Come on everyone, cough up those web sites and retailers that have great deals on track. I prefer the nickel silver of course but if there’s enough brass I’ll use it too. [;)]
BTW, make that code 83 or 100, 83 preferred
Hi,
I’ve used Atlas HO flex track for years, code 100. Code 83 is very nice, albeit more expensive. I did not go for it as it is much more difficult for me to work with, especially soldering.
In any case, check out an MR and most of the larger companies have prices on Atlas track, with of course the cheapest deal being packs of 100 three ft. pieces. My favorite mail order house is Toy Train Heaven, but there are several others.
You mentioned the possibility of using brass track. I STRONGLY recommend you use nickel silver. Brass is a corrosion magnet, and your trains will not be happy with you.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I think you would have to spend some time even finding new brass track and it isn’t worth it.
Standard Hobby usually has a good price on track and switches, see their ad in MR and you can shop online at standardhobby.com.
Tilden
http://www.nhshobbies.com/category_s/368.htm
Best Atlas prices on the net! The owner(Hans) is a great guy to deal with. Order enough at one time and he’ll probably make you a better deal. I ordered $100 worth of stuff and he waved S&H.
I have used a lot of Model Power flex track and can’t tell any difference between it and Atlas once it is down and ballasted, other than the fact that it is cheaper.
Check http://www.trainworld.com for MP flex track in both code 100 and code 83. Code 100 rail, item number 105, is listed in the November 2007 Model Railroader magazine advertisement as $159.99 for 100 pieces. Code 83, item number 106, is the same price.
I got a great deal from Kim at Train Buddy on HO Atlas Code 83 flex track, ordered some 180 + pieces and got a great price, last year I paid $2.90 each for 3’ HO Atlas Code 83 flex track.
You can email Kim at anytime, request a quote, and he typically responds the same day with a pdf quote attached.
Cheers,
Ryan
Atlas track comes 100 pieces to a box. I have bought two boxes of code 100 on EBay for $189.00 per box + $12.00 shipping from a lister named Ironrooster in the past. Nice thing is it is in its original packing box and it is almost bullet proof wheh shipped.
Cherry Creek Hobbies, can’t beat the Peco prices. I believe the web address is www.cchobbies.com.
I purchased a double-slip switch from traintrack.net a few months back. They actually had one, which was nice, and their price was quite good. I have not purchased other items, but it might be worth a drop-in online to check it out. Must say that some of the quoted prices above are going to be very hard to beat.
Darn, eh?
Somebody was going to send me an address where I could send my old brass track. Free, and almost worth it. Was that you?
Why am I giving away my old brass track? Well, that’s certainly a question you should ask yourself before saying you want it.
Nooooooo kidding, but that wasn’t me, I remeber that thread but don’t remember who that was. Luckily there was a train show/swap meet close to me yesterday and I was able to get all but about 7 of the 50 9" NS track pieces I needed. The rest I’ll fill in with flex track since I’m going to need a bunch of that too. I made out really good yesterday too, even got a mystery box of stuff that came out very good for me.
Thanks for all the input everyone.
Sure that was a double slip and not a wye??[;)][:D]
I’ll stick my nose in a little late. In the long run, you would be much happier if you had found very few of those 9" pieces, and used all flex. Every rail joint is a point of possible failure, bumps, derailments, electrical ‘disturbance’. Since you are using the sectional track, take that much more care as you lay it, watch for tiny little kinks you’ll regret later.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the input. You know I didn’t think about that but you have a very good point. I’ll take that into consideration when I’m laying that track. I’m going to do some flex track too and you know how these things go. If I get to not being satisfied with how the sections are laying I’ll switch to flex, I like it more anyhow. It’s all part of the hobby my friend. [:D]
Hi,
The flex track has a lot of advantages, one being that you can easily make transitions from straight to curve (or into a grade too).
A Dremel drill with a cutoff disc will make trimming the pieces a piece of cake - but PLEASE remember to wear safety glasses!!!
I think you will find that the advantages of flex track far outweigh the trimming that you have to do, but with any sectional layout of size you would still need to trim some anyway.
If you can do so, bundle your brass track/turnouts and sell on Ebay. Nickle silver is the only way to go, and you will never look back.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
Now, you cut that out!!!
I did grovel didn’t I…?!![:I]
Rail nippers even easier, in my opinion. But either will work.
[#ditto] One of my better investments!