Would you buy used Atlas code 55 track???

I'm possibly going to buy a lot of used Atlas code 55 track and was wondering if there is anything I should look for or ask the person selling? There are several sections soldered together also.

 

I am doing my best to quelch my comments here. I have a long history of taking delight in tearing up and tossing out Code 55 track from old layouts which don't work anymore.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

 

I would want to know why he is selling it and in what condition it was in. If he had this track down on a layout and bonded with ballast you may have some clean up to do and it may not be worth it. Also check the inside spike heads for wear. He may have run some old equipment with deep flange metal wheels and wore down the spike heads to where possibly they won't hold the rail. Other than that go for a good price.

 

Short answer ... NO!

Long answer ... Usually not worth the cleanup time and the great possibility that the track could easily be twisted or damaged in the removal process does not make the savings worth the risk and effort.

 

I've never bought used flex track, and most certainly never will. If he's selling new track that he just doesn't need then that's a different matter. Atlas track is so low priced, why risk the headaches?

 

Exactly. If the track is used in the sense that it's been sitting in a closet for a while that may be one thing, but it would have to be REAL cheap...maybe dime on the dollar...to get value out of it if it has been truly used. With some of the issues the Atlas turnouts have been reported to have, I would want to be able to return them if there were problems.

It also depends on other factors, like your experience...if you are pretty good with laying flex, soldering, etc. then you are better equipped to make junk into treasure. Also factors like what the track looks like, has it been painted, is it a very large volume of track, are you building a huge layout, etc.

One question I would personally ask is: has he used a bright boy on the track? Although I don't have scientific evidence, I am of the school of thought that putting scratches on the surface of the rail is a good place for dust to gather. You may not care though.

 

My policy is to never buy or use used track of any brand or code size.

(I am a happy Atlas C55 track user)

Mark

 

To save money and time I import nearly all my N scale stuff from the USofA.
Code 55 Atlas track isnt expensive, as a matter of fact I think its regular retail price is a bargain basement price.

So why would you bother with someone elses cast offs? Doesnt it make you ask yourself, why is he getting rid of the stuff?:thumbs_down:
Just my 2 bobs worth.

 

Depends on the condition..The biggest turn off for me would be the soldered track..IF the switches was in good shape and low in price-$200-4.00-I would buy them.
Why $2.00-4.00? That's a fair price seeing new #5 switches can be had for $9.99.

BTW..I have bought tons of use equipment and good use track over the years with no problems.

 

Your question is your answer...

Just the fact that you had to post this question is your answer.

No! You're too inexperienced to be buying what may be someone else's junk.

If you still feel the price is just so much cheaper than buying new track by mail-order, go ahead and buy it. If it turns out to be too much for you to rehabilitate, I'll take it off your hands. I'll be needing much more track in the coming two years. And I can use some damaged track to model abandoned areas/yards.

If you decide not to make this purchase, I'd appreciate it if you'd email me the contact information of the seller. I'm interested in his stuff if you're not.

Thanks,
sootower AT yahoo DOT com

 

DITTO !!!!!!NO

 

After years of seeing people build otherwise great looking layouts that are impossible to run trains on because they've decided to be cheap and use second hand track the answer from me is NO. IMHO people should be banned from selling used track, when I rip up track from the club layout I destroy it and throw it out because someone always suggests reusing it, it's not worth it. Compared to our engines and cars track is one of the least expensive things we'll buy.

 

Well, I've been offered 100' of track (various lengths) and 40 turnouts at $130 + shipping. The individual had a large layout and tour it down due to moving. Only a small portion of the track had ballast on it.

What concerns should I have with the switches? They are mostly #7's.

 

I say...if you have seen the track and switches...and you are comfy with it all...or know the guy well enough to know he didnt use a big screwdriver and a BFH to take it all up...go for it! 130.00 for 40 used switches themselves would be a steal !! JMO

:tb-cool:

 

BFH.... hehe :tb-biggrin:

and if it was a club layout, we hope it wasn't the FNG who did the work.

 

No matter how many questions you may ask, it is still like buying a used car off a lot at 11 PM for cash. You won't know what you really bought until sunrise, and then it is too late.

"a lot of " is a relative term. If it is a matter of budget, I would rather buy new and go more slowly. Comparitively speaking, track is one of the least expensive components of a layout. Soldered track? Absolutely not. Ripped up track? Absolutely not. Anything that was glued down, especially switches, absolutely not. Something is going to be taken out of alignment. It ain't worth the savings.

 

I agree..Check the switches and make sure they are in good shape then buy 'em.

99% of the time track can be use repeatedly if it was removed carefully.I have use all of my switches,several short pieces of flex track and some sectional track on 4 different ISLs.Then I use this track on my 2 industrial park modulars are the club.

There is no crime in recycling or buying use track if its still in good condition..

 

That's basically quarter on the dollar which is probably the most you should pay for used track. Again, a lot of unknowns though.

The only thing I'd say about the turnouts is...avoid installing them in hidden areas if possible. That way if there are problems they're easier to replace. Buy new ones for hidden/staging trackage.