Atlas or Micro ENgineering?

[CoolRuehle]

I visited a club layout last weekend that was a mix of Micro Engineering and Atlas flex, both code 83. Most of the layout was VERY LONG stretches of track in a somewhat southwest/desert-theme.

I could not tell the difference between either mfg's product once ballasted-in and weathered.

What are your thoughts on using either product in any sort of setting? I am leaning towards Atlas, as I have used and know their product. Is the ME track REALLY worth the extra few $$$ per piece?

--Jon

 

[Rico]

I find Atlas track much more rubust when it comes to cleaning and adjustments. No I can't tell the differance either once it's weathered and ballasted.
I'm using ME switches off the main and they are definately more fragile than the Atlas or Peco.

 

[CP9302]

It depends on what your goals are. Atlas and ME track look similar once ballasted and weathered when viewed from normal operating distances. If you plan to take photos on your layout, you'll really notice a difference between the two. The ME rail also has a more acurate cross section then Atlas.

My club uses ME flex and hand laid ME rail for all visable track work. I really like it and don't find it hard to work with. It can be more fragile as Rico mentioned, as the spike heads are much smaller and closer to scale.

Is it worth the expense? I think so, but my goals include being able to take the most realistic photos possible.

 

[Graham Line]

I like ME for the up close stuff because the detail is a little finer and it's available in several rail weights. The sprung switch points are really nice for quick construction like a shelf layout.

Atlas is nice and robust for long runs and staging, etc., and is a lot lot lot easier to curve than ME.

 

[vato loco]

I find Atlas track much more rubust when it comes to cleaning and adjustments. No I can't tell the differance either once it's weathered and ballasted.
I'm using ME switches off the main and they are definately more fragile than the Atlas or Peco.

I agree..the ME stuff way more FRAGILE! I had ME in N scale......CRAP! Not good in the wear and tear department IMO!

 

[macjet]

ME only. No Altas on my module.

 

[jbaakko]

If you plan to do Free-mo, Atlas track is banned, if that says anything.

ME track is stiffer, and has smaller nail heads. However, if you want concrete ties, Peco seems to be the only company who's gotten the clips fasteners correct.

 

[UP2CSX]

Neither one is "best". ME track has finer rail cross sections, the ties are thiner and closer to prototype, and the "spikes" are much closer to scale. For foreground track, it will always look better than Atlas. The downside is cost, fragility and it's not easy to bend into smooth curves. Atlas track is tough, much less expensive, and the code 83 withe brown ties is a big improvement over the black tie code 100 track. It's easier to bend into curves, especially for beginners. The downside is that the rail cross section is fatter, the ties are thicker and taller than ME track, and the "spikes" are huge compared to ME track. I use ME track for the front of my layout and Atlas for the back and other hidden areas. If I was doing a small layout or diorama, I'd probably use ME track exclusively. For a larger layout, a mix of the two is a good compromise between cost and realism. Both brands of track perform equally well in terms of running trains, although ME switches arequire less work to get working reliably.

Before we get into a religious war about track, these are just my observations from using both brands. The cost of ME track is worth it to some modelers and others are perfectly happy with Atlas. YMMV.

 

[macjet]

If you plan to do Free-mo, Atlas track is banned, if that says anything.

That is not correct.

 

[jbaakko]

That is not correct.

Sorry, Free-mo LA banned Atlas track, never knew it was not a full Free-mo standard...

 

[macjet]

Sorry, Free-mo LA banned Atlas track,

I can't say that I blame them.