hey guy's which flex track is best to use. and easiest to use as well. been doing some looking around at the micro engineering stuff is it any good worth the price. is there any brand that will hold the curve so there really wouldn't be a need to solder together the rail's thank's lfb.
LFB - I've used both Atlas and MEW code 83 track, also MEW in code 55 & 70. My advice, especially on your first layout is use the Atlas code 83. Although it cost more than the Atlas code 100, believe you find the difference in realism worth the extra cost. To add to that realism you should paint the track. Yep, using any kind of flat brown approaching rust color in spray tins from Wal-Mart. 1. Do it outside with a lot of newspaper (non-windy day is best). 2. Before starting take a Q-tip dipped in Wahl Hair Clipper oil or mineral spirits and coat the top of the rails. This will make paint removal from the top of the rails much, much easier. 3. Lay rails on newspaper and spray from all directions being sure to cover up the nickel-silver color of the rails. The paint will get on the ties but don't worry, if you look at any stretch of real track any where outside the desert, you'll notice that most ties are about the same color as the rails. 4. Let the paint dry. Now flex the track, you'll notice silver "holidays" anywhere the spikes covered the rail. Keeping track flexed, replace on newspaper and apply second coat of brown. That's about it except for try to avoid placing rail joiners in/on curves. My experience is no matter how tight and well aligned they start, running any number of trains will change that quickly.
Dave Jones has covered all the points and I'm in agreement. Start with Atlas Code 83 and if you can avoid joining track on your sharpest curves no soldering can be achieved. Many will say you 'must' solder them but that is not really true. The curves are the real issue. Also make sure to put the more segmented tie sections on the inside of curve. ME track is just fine. It is a bit more expensive and some like its curve handling. Most, I think, would really like to make curves using Atlas track especially sharp curves. Jim
okay cool on the curve info why atlas and not the me track what's wrong with the me track for a first layout. thank's lfb.
I would say that cost and ease of handling are the major issues for those new. Both track brands are compatible with each other's turnouts. If you like the look of the ME then go ahead. No real problem. Jim
