i have been out for about 7 years and i am starting a new layout
i want to know what is the best track and turnouts money can buy for HO
hey i can dream can’t i
jet_throw
What scale?..for N-scale, the best is either Micro Engineering code 55 and 40, or Atlas code 55. I think the Atlas turnouts may be a little better than the Micro Engineering ones, but the very best turnouts are the ones you fabricate yourself. What would I do if I modeled HO?..Sorry, I can’t even bear the possibility of being a HO…lol
I don’t think you can beat the quality of Peco turnouts, especially in HO- actual track work would depend on how you like the looks of it…
I am currently re-building my layout with code 83 rail/track. For appearance in HO I am using Micro Engineering. The flex track track looks more realistic, and the turnouts have the proper spike pattern on them. It comes in code 100, 83, 70, and 55. However, in HO code 83, they only have #6 turnouts, so for any other turnouts or trackwork, I am going to use Walthers/Shinohara as that is my second choice.
Up until now I have used Atlas code 100 track and turnouts (since 1973). The best Atlas turnouts I’ve had were the Mark II - which are no longer made. I’ve also had problems with Atlas ties getting brittle and breaking over many years. ME uses a different type of plastic that I am hoping will not get so brittle as the years go by.
I also don’t care for the Atlas code 83 Mark III turnouts because the turnout points are simply stamped sheet metal. The way the points are stamped, they don’t look like thay are made of rail. ME and Walthers turnouts have better looking points.
For beginners, there’s nothing wrong with using Atlas track. It just doesn’t meet my requirements anymore, and I wanted to try other brands of track.
This is just my opinion.
Dale B.
P.S. I should add that the above is my honest unbiased opinion. I currenly live about 20 miles from ME’s shop, so I can drive over and purchase what I need without paying shipping charges. Also, while in High School, I worked for Micro Engineering for one summer in 1984 (known back then as Railcraft). However, until now, I haven’t used any of their products on my model railroad, though I always wanted to try them. When I decided this year to re-build my layout with code 83 track, I purchased samples of track and switches from Atlas, Walthers, and ME, for comparison of realistic appearance, operation, and cost. This is the first time I am going to be using a rail code smaller than 100, so among other things, I wanted to test the samples to see if my (non-RP25) long flanged
thanks alot guys i really appreciate your help!!
now lets hope the little lady lets me spend some dough
Recently switched from Atlas Code 100 to the Atlas Code 83 in flex and sectional track Nickel Silver only. Looks pretty good. I, however, won’t use Atlas turnouts any more. After some wear and tear on the turning points, I started having derailments. Also don’t like those 4 round rivets on the Atlas turnouts. They stick out like pimples on a nice, realistic looking main line! I like the good quality and appearance of Peco Turnouts. Pecos snap hard and line up neatly. Virtually derailment free! Yes, Pecos do have a Europeon profile but (in my opinon) it’s barely noticeable. Regarding track: buy a sample of each (Walthers, Atlas, Micro Engineering) in code 83 as they should be interconnectable. Regarding Turnouts: Checkout the same as above, but in my opinion I would stay away from Atlas turnouts!
I’m being sincere as I very much enjoy Atlas locomotives and other products. Hopefully they’ll improve their turnouts.
Hand laying is the best. I’m sure if money was no object you could hire someone to handlay your layout and switches. That’s what I would do if money was no object. FRED