Off TRW...per Paul... "Most of the sectional track is either here or on the way to us. The flex is getting ready to go into production after the Lunar New Year holiday break, and the turnouts should follow shortly thereafter." I seem to recall the same thing LAST year !!! Any bets when C55 actually becomes 'available' this time ? LMAO!!!
It would be nice. I could use some more tracks, but knowing the C55 issues reputation... its still up in the air. Hard to trust if it coming or not.
When you know the whole story of the production issues in China, and one of the factories that was being used, this is not news. I'd believe Paul, as things for all the MR companies are finally moving again.
Whenever I answer a question, I do so with the best information I have available at the time I answer it. During my recent trip to China, we met with the factory making our track (as well as the various other factories producing items for us) and impressed upon them the need for a greater volume of production. Since that time, they have ramped up and nearly doubled their volume. In each line (HO codes 100, 83 and True Track and N code 80, 55 and True Track), the turnouts and crossings are going to be the last things put into production because they require the most piece work and assorted pre-production work, as well as the related stamping and forming dies. The HO turnouts have been arriving, and once those orders are complete the factory will move onto the N scale ones, code 80 first, then 55, then True Track. Trust me, we want to have all of the products in stock as soon as possible, and at this point the factory probably wishes they had all of our orders complete as well.
Paul... That gives some perspective on the C55 turnouts. Looks like they may still be a year out before they get here ! How about the C55 flex? The last I recall reading...they where in a container on the water. Is C55 flex actually shipped outta china or is the C55 flex still waiting in line for production? If C55 flex hasnt even been made yet...modelers would still be looking at least a year out to get any :-( A guy could lay the track for his layout if he had the flex track to do it. He could always 'cut in' the turnouts later when they get here. At least that way he could run trains now as opposed to just looking at bare framework. :-( Thanxs for the update.
Just what is a Lunar New Year holiday ???? Jeeze these people have more holidays than a congressman... ...Mike
During Chinese New Year all of the factories shut down for about 4 weeks. It is a heavy travel period as people go home. Glenn
I have a lot of Atlas code 55 track available. sectional curves in 17.5 through 71. flex track. and oddles of #10 turnouts currently listed on eBay. still do not understand why folks complain when it is available. I get tired of posting it again and again and again. if interested PM me. if you just want to gripe, why not turn the need into something positive? respectfully Gary
I'm still in big need of at least 3 packs of 6" straight and 14 #5 turnouts, Seven each! Can't do much until then......But, I've been waiting this long.
Oh good grief. You do realize that the average Chinese worker gets exactly ONE holiday period per year right? The average worker is in their plant 6 days a week 48-50 weeks a year and lives in their company dorms. Its the modern equivalent to owing your life to the company store. Please, please read a little about other cultures before commenting on them. Interesting that Paul mentions die work being done. Will the flex be new tooling?
because last time someone did ask you about it in thread they got no response, also people may need turnouts that are not #10's that's an awful lot of wasted space on a small layout when I was planning to use what C55 I had to build one. Turnouts, turnouts, turnouts that is what the people want because they may already be up to their eyeballs in sectional and flex track. #5 and #7's are far more reasonable for smaller layouts, and it seems that for every #10 turnout RH there are 20 LH #10's.
well SS&S, I was unaware of any contacts and the best method is private message as that is the only way there is a clear indication of message from someone. if you had used that I certainly would have received your inquiry. respectfully Gary
Because it's been posted ad nauseum so many times, everyone should now. Atlas isn't the only one that had issues with one of the plants. It gets tiring repeating yourself, when you know the complaints (from many of the same people) will only come again in six months. It's like no one reads. They just complain to hear themselves.
Dies form metal parts, molds form plastic parts. The turnouts use a lot of rail pieces that are notched, bumped and shaped. The die machines often differ from plant to plant, so the existing dies may have to be adapted to fit the machines, or new dies have to be created entirely.
Paul, I really appreciate for your responses on this specific topic. Atlas track, especially the C55, is very sensitive case for all of us (it seems). Regardless, we are all hoping for the best! Im sure once we get our hands on em, we'll be happy hap. . Until then!
When you are dealing with thousands of pieces of tooling, things don't always go as smoothly as you would hope. Keep in mind that we have nine track lines (O 3 rail, 2 rail, Industrial Rail, HO Code 100, Code 83, True Track and N Code 80, Code 55 and True Track) and each product has at least one mold (switch machines have multiple molds) and anywhere from one die (for instance, a straight rail section of a given length) to ten or more dies (a turnout has 4 pieces of rail, each of which has multiple operations required, plus the contact plates, plus the frogs and points).
Paul Thank you for taking the time to interact, with the forum. Not every vendor does and i think it's a great personal touch. My company also builds things in Asia. And then complains about many of the same issues (im a peon, not a decision maker). When are we going to try building our product in an environment where, as "manufacturers", we go back to owning these issues. It seems the build it in country that seems to have less production costs model, is wanting.... Can you share any thoughts on finding a solution involving owning the manufacturer and really controlling the process? Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
