Mervyn:
Atlas has published a memo they made public this year stating that due to a change in manufacturing supplier they had inventory issues but they are back in 'business' once again. Ask your dealer to contact Atlas O for a schedule. If you don't like the answer then a lot of hi-railers I know usually go with Gargraves track (inexpensive but good quality and flexible) and Ross Turnouts (expensive and excellent quality). Though the turnouts are normally supplied with DZ-2500 motors (have more varied electronic capability) I like the DZ-1000 motor and use these on my layout. The DZ-1000 seems to me to be more robust than the 2500 though you will get arguments from other users.
On my layout the track was Atlas O with Atlas O turnouts. I had issues with the switch motors burning out frequently. I don't believe the motor design is the problem but the switch control that comes with it (I think the button sticks) . For new purchases I have moved over to Ross turnouts and DZ-1000 motors and like them a lot but I did discover if I exchange Atlas O deluxe switch controls for cheaper ones that come with the turnouts and also add a rectifying diode in series with the power wire going from the switch control to the machine the problems with burnout go away. The rectifier chops off half the wave so that a pulse signal is sent to the motor. Since the frequency is so high the motor still has smooth movement.
I did discover one major plus with the Ross turnouts - non de-rail feature. All that is needed is an isolated track in front of the turnout and one wire from an outside rail to the DZ-1000 motor. This beats buying the expensive Atlas O non-derail board.
Joe
