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I'd like to order some track to play around with. Not wanting to buy something I'll end up replacing later I've been looking at the options and I'm not real sure what I want to go with. I'm thinking along the lines of Code 83 track. Peco and Altlas seem to have very limited options for special track pieces, such as curved turnouts and I keep reading about Atlas supply problems. Walthers/Shinohara is relatively expensive but with extensive options. I see recommendations for Micro Engineering, but looks like they only make #6 turnouts. I'm also confused on the advisability of mixing track?
I agree, Shinohara is excellent track and turnouts. I started handlaying code 70 and finished my layout with Shinohara. I chose code 70 because I think it looks so much better than code 100 which, to me, looks a bit oversized after getting out of N scale years ago. Code 83 is a good alternative. I did try some ME flex track and it is difficult to work with. Shinohara does have quite a variety of different turnouts available also. Shinohara is distributed by Walthers. Peco is another posibility, but I have never worked with it. I would suggest using Flex track instead od sectional track as you would be limited to a certain radius track. Flex track is great because you can have a lot broader radius which looks so much better with larger locomotives and passenger cars.
Here's a link for Shinohara track and turnouts. These are retail prices and better prices can be found. Code 83 track also be found on ebay, but watch out for bidding wars. With shipping I have seen track go well above retail.
Having very limited recent experience with track, I can only say that I tried some atlas, had some issues, and then I tried the Peco Code 83 after some recommendations form this forum. The Peco is, I think, superior track. I ended up purchasing all Peco for my up and coming layout. It is also nice that it is generally in stock and at reasonable prices.
I think I'm going to go with Peco due to the availability and more importantly half-the-price flex track. Sounds like the Shinohara and Peco are relatively interchangeable based on Motley's post so if I end up needing something Peco doesn't make, sounds like I can get by.
I'm reading some conflicting things on Peco Electrofrog vs. Insulfrog for DCC. If I'm remembering correctly, one page recommended the Electrofrog with some insulated joiners and wiring. Another the Insulfrog with some modifications, and yet another said the Insulfrog just works unless you have some out-of-spec wheels..
I used Peco Code 83 track and turnouts for my entire layout. I like the fact that the flex track holds it's shape while I form curves. I originally went with it because they offered curved turnouts which was helpful with my track plan and I also liked the turnouts because they "lock" into position without any additional equipment.
cchobbies.com (Cherry Creek Hobbies) had the best price I found online for Peco anything.