I am planning to order track for my new layout soon and would like to know if Atlas has shipped any of their recently manufactured track items, particularly O54 turnouts. I would like to be able to get what I need to start laying track rather than wait months (or years) for a missing item(s).
Anyone out there know when the shipments will arrive?
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Ross has everything you need in stock, if not the will make it for you in a short amount of time.
Jim S,
IMO you are making a big mistake in your choice of track, mostly because of the constant lack of availability of their Track and the inability of the track to accommodate many Tin Plate Trains. I love the Atlas company and have lots of their great rolling stock, however I leave their track and switches alone. I do own some Atlas Industrial Rail Track which is very very good stuff, and accommodates all different kinds of trains, availability on this track is also a problem however. The low voltage track I recommend are RMT (K-Line Super Snap), Ross and FasTrack. Remember Ross Track & Switches however do not accommodate most Tin Plate Trains, but are top dog for post war and modern trains. I run FasTrack because it accommodates all trains and has wireless Low voltage command control switches, controlled from the Legacy Cab2 remote control. If you like Conventional Tubular, RMT (K-Line SS) track and switches accommodate all different kinds of trains also. Atlas track is hard to get/replace and limits which kind of trains you can run on your layout.
PCRR/Dave
My previous layout was built with Ross Track, but I would like to go with Atlas this time, assuming I can get what I need.
Thanks for the advice, but IMO the only other track I would consider would be the Ross again. The other brands don't cut it for me.
Anyone out there know when the shipments will arrive?
Atlas knows...sort of. Contact them....check their website for shipping info....which may change due to circumstances beyond their control.
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"I would like to be able to get what I need to start laying track rather than wait months (or years) for a missing item(s)."
A common conundrum. Part of the frustration of off-shore manufacturing/shipping. Been a sore spot for years, now....especially among the HO crowd (Atlas track has/hd been the bread-and-butter of this segment of the hobby for several decades). Good product, good people.
However....
If you're just starting out and rather impatient (as many of US are) when building a layout, you may want to think about MYTRAINS suggestion. Gargraves also has full availability. Both USA-made. I chose both Ross/Gargraves for my layout, but it was done long ago....before the Atlas/China/et al issues surfaced...and for different reasons. 100% happy with my choice.
FWIW, always...
KD
I think the track is available now? At least my LHS has been getting it in since late spring. Actually they have gotten me everything I needed even with the shortage going on. To be fair I had most of my track before the shortage so my LHS was just getting me the few fill in items I was missing in small quantities during the shortage. Unfortunately I did not have any switches before the shortage and have been having a difficult time getting those. My LHS did get me some, but I have had to get the rest wherever I could find them and I am still short some for an expansion I want to do this fall. I sure hope they will be back in stock soon as I much prefer the new ones over the used.
I am a big fan of Atlas track. To me the look of it and the solid nickel-silver rails is un-matched by anything else available, IMO. It works very well for me on my command control DCS and Legacy layout and I very seldom clean it and it still works great. I am sold. I have also had some dealings with Atlas obtaining parts and some questions about their O gauge track system before I decided to use it. I was very impressed with their help and support in both areas.
Hold out for the Atlas Track. Solid nickle silver = quiet and smooth. I have bent custom curves easily by hand...no kinks cause it's solid. Cutting to custom lengths is easy with a dremel. I use Atlas track and Ross Custom Switches. Cadillac operation. I also use 14 gauge solid wire right to the rail. Overkill...maybe. But no drop in power anywhere. Put this track on foam or cork roadbed over 1 or two inch pink foam (your choice of plywood underneath...I use 3/4 so I can walk all over it) and you will have the quietest operation possible. I know Atlas was working on some improvements to their switches so I can't speak to those. But if I were you, I would use Ross for that. They make switches that are just about bullet proof. My two cents. BigRail
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