Recent run of Atlas Code 80 tarnishing?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Long time lurker, first time poster …

I’ve been working on an N-scale layout for several years, using Atlas Code 80 sectional and flex track, and have been satisfied with its durability and reliability. This Spring, I expanded the layout and bought a new run of code 80 from my local hobby store, M.B. Klein (which is like saying your local library is the Library of Congress), and now less than a year later, the new batch of track is yellowing and corroding – it’s starting to look like brass track from way back in the day!

By comparison, the six year old track next to it is still its bright, silver-nickel self.

My layout is in a finished basement, climate controlled, dehumidifier, carpeted floor, etc. I don’t think the environment is the problem. And the trains, wiring, cleaning techniques, etc., are the same as well.

I’ve heard Atlas is having problems with its Chinese supplier – is part of the problem not just labor and materials issues, but also quality control? Anyone else seeing their latest batch of Atlas track tarnish?

P.S.: I certainly don’t blame M.B. Klein for Atlas’s problems – they’re great!

2

since klein has your money, i would talk with them about the problem. i agree, they are good people and i have used them for years for mail order supplies. they have a lot more clout with atlas than an individual since they move more atlas track in one day that most of use use in a lifetime.

charlie

3

Contact Atlas and see what they have to say about your problem. Their web site is at

http://www.atlasrr.com/

4

These both sound like good ideas – I’m thinking if M.B. Klein would be willing to advocate for me, it probably has the leverage to get some action from Atlas. But I’ll check with Atlas first.

5

I doubt that M. B. Klein would do anything more than offer your money back for unused track, but not if it has been used.