Atlas code 55

[URI]

With the shortage of Atlas code 55 track, I wondering if I could use ME code 55 with my Atlas switches, or do I hold out and wait for Atlas to get the track made again. I was told they broke the mold?

 

[jdetray]

The mold for Atlas Code 55 Flex was damaged beyond repair sometime last fall. You can read what an Atlas representative said about it in this thread. Some online retailers are saying it will be available again in the "2nd quarter."

The only ME Code 55 Flex I have used is the bridge track, which I really like. It seems to be nicely compatible with the Atlas Code 55 Flex on my layout.

Meanwhile, I am carefully guarding the few pieces of Atlas Code 55 Flex that I still have in stock!

- Jeff

 

[URI]

Thanks for the link, very interesting. Still though, I am curious about the ME flex working with the Atlas switches. Seems the ME is a good product, but with them finding switches is hard? I don't need much track for my small layout anyway, but would be nice to move forward.

Meanwhile, I can fill my time with building my structures and painting locomotives to fill my roster.

 

[cuyama]

Still though, I am curious about the ME flex working with the Atlas switches. Seems the ME is a good product, but with them finding switches is hard?

Yes, ME C55 flex will work with Atlas C55 turnouts (track switches). The depth of the ties don't match exactly, so you'll need to do a little shimming at the joints and you might need to touch the edge of the rail with a file to smooth the joint.

ME C55 turnouts seem to run in batches, so sometimes they are hard to find. But thay only make a #6, which may not fit all the places you'd like. ME flex track is also much stiffer than Atlas C55. Some folks like that, some don't.

If you are really anxious to get going, PECO C55 is also generally available. This is actually specially-made C80 rail buried in the ties to result in a C55 appearance. It also looks a little "bulkier" than Atlas C55 due to the tie size and spacing. It might require a tiny bit more shimming and filing at the joints, but still not that much.

Best of luck.

 

[URI]

Yes, ME C55 flex will work with Atlas C55 turnouts (track switches). The depth of the ties don't match exactly, so you'll need to do a little shimming at the joints and you might need to touch the edge of the rail with a file to smooth the joint.

ME C55 turnouts seem to run in batches, so sometimes they are hard to find. But thay only make a #6, which may not fit all the places you'd like. ME flex track is also much stiffer than Atlas C55. Some folks like that, some don't.

If you are really anxious to get going, PECO C55 is also generally available. This is actually specially-made C80 rail buried in the ties to result in a C55 appearance. It also looks a little "bulkier" than Atlas C55 due to the tie size and spacing. It might require a tiny bit more shimming and filing at the joints, but still not that much.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the informative explination! I would really like to move on to this next stage, again, thanks.