First off, I have only used Atlas ho code 100 flex track. But, I now find that model Power flex track is lower in price. Which is good right now.
Is anybody using the Model Power flex track? Is the rail the same size as Atlas? I do know rail size can differ from brand to brand.
Second, has any body dealt with this hobby shop? Good or bad experience?
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Thanks for any answers.
Loren
Dear Loren,
I asked the same question on the other board and all the replies were very favorable. As for that shop, I haven't dealt there, but Trainworld has the Model Power flex even cheaper and they offer it in code 80 as well.
Charlie
I used to deal with eHobbyland all the time and was very pleased with them. I have both ModelPower and Atlas track from them and can't tell the difference.
Lynn
Thank you both for the good news.
Loren
I haven't used (or even seen it for sale in stores) Model Power flextrack. However, I really like Atlas flextrack.
I'm a real fan of Peco track & turnouts but, in this case, I find Atlas flextrack a little easier and simpler to control. Plus it's cheaper.
Rob
Thanks Rob. I found that I can save at least $10.00 on a bundle of 25 pieces of Model Power track compared to Atlas. I quess I will find out if it is worth it.
Loren
My experience dates from when I was a kid (late 1980s).
I remember having both brass and NS model power flex, and atlas NS (plus a hodgepodge of sectional track). From what I remember, I had no issues mating Atlas to MP flex, and the appearance was similar. I remember the MP NS being a little bit stiffer than Atlas to flex, and the color of the rail wasn't as shiny as the Atlas. Looking back, I am wondering if that MP NS was actually steel back then - but I don't remember having problems soldering to it. As for how it ran - I had no issues. Any derailments I had were more likely do to cheap wheels and trucks, sharp curves, underweighted cars, cheap turnouts, and bad vertical transitions and poor rail joints.
I am not using commercial flextrack on my current layout. If I was, I would consider appearance over all else and probably choose to go with code 83 (I hear MP makes that now, too). But if cost was an issue, or if I had a lot of hidden track, I would probably go with MP code 100, and use turnouts from Peco or Atlas. Weathering track does a lot to help appearance.
BTW, if you decide to go with MP, I encourage you to post a review on this site. This question comes up from time to time.
nomad Wrote:First off, I have only used Atlas ho code 100 flex track. But, I now find that model Power flex track is lower in price. Which is good right now.
Is anybody using the Model Power flex track? Is the rail the same size as Atlas? I do know rail size can differ from brand to brand.
Second, has any body dealt with this hobby shop? Good or bad experience?
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Thanks for any answers.
Loren
Loren,
I don't know about Model Power flex track, I've generally bought whatever was at my local hobby shop without paying attention to the brand. The rail sizes will be the same regardless of brand. Code 100 will be code 100, the differences are in the thickness of the tie strips the rail is mounted to. If you get flex from a manufacturer that has thicker tie strips than whatever other product you are using, you can either shim the thinner tie strips up with styrene or sand down the bottom of the tie strip to make it equal to the thinner stuff.
Russ
Thanks guys. You all sound real positive on this, so I will go with the Model Power track.
Thanks Again for the advice.
Loren
nomad Wrote:Thanks Rob. I found that I can save at least $10.00 on a bundle of 25 pieces of Model Power track compared to Atlas. I quess I will find out if it is worth it.
Loren
Loren,
Yes, that sounds like quite a savings so it's worth it. As long as the quality (and the way it handles) is similar to Atlas, it should be fine.
I use Code 100 track throughout my layout mainly because I run a mixture of old (from the 1960s) and brand new local stock. This enables me to easily run both old and new locos and rolling stock.
The "vintage" models require the taller track because they generally have large flanges on their wheels. Some of these old Triang-type models probably (originally) ran on even coarser track! This is why many of my 1960s locos still stall at some turnouts.
If you're running only modern/brand new locos and rolling stock, you could just use Code 75 or something like that. On the other hand, everything should run on Code 100. AFAIK, rail sizes are fairly consistent from brand to brand. (Other members, please correct me if I'm wrong!)
Rob
Thanks Rob. I guess I am just a code 100 type of guy. I like it.
Loren
nomad Wrote:Thanks Rob. I guess I am just a code 100 type of guy. I like it.
Loren
You're welcome. I think it's good for all rolling stock. It's annoying to hear the flanges of the wheels (of older coaches) clickety-clacking along the railroad ties!
Cheers, Rob