Probably been answered before but are the two compatible? If so are the ME turnouts worth consideration? I have had problems with my atlas c55 #5's and I've read posts with others having the same issues. Tried filing the frog and points and seemed to improve some but with a decent size project on my hands I don't really want to go through the effort to make each one work correctly. Or was I having problems due to an older batch or possibly just he #5's that have exhibited the derailing characteristics. Need to know so I can start shopping! P.S. the derailing did not seem to be an issue of car length as it did a problem with flange clearance (width, not height as all cars have lo-pros).
I have used code 70 MEs - they have troubles. I have been considering going to Atlas code 55 (especially because of turnouts) just because it is so readily available. I love the look of ME turnouts, but they can be such a pain...
They should be "compatible," that is, they will match up because they are both 55 thousandths of an inch high. OTOH, you may have to work with rail joiners, etc., to make it happen. The profiles may be slightly different, the foot a little wider, the head a little taller, but they should match. I have no personal experience with matching the types; that is the answer you need here, so hopefully, that is coming soon to this thread! :thumbs_up:
Are the ME turnouts still avaliable? I'm having difficulty locating them here (Sacramento, CA). If they are, I may look at those over Atlas C55 for my upcoming project.
Supply has always been a problem with ME turnouts - there is either a huge demand for them, or they just need to make more of them.
The 1st run of Atlas c55 #5's (the #7's were fine) had problems with the flangeways that were corrected on the newer runs. You may have gotten a batch of the older ones. You can file them out to the correct width and depth (you'll need an NMRA standards gauge to check) and they'll work fine. The ME c55 turnouts have been out of production for about 2 years (at the time they said they were redesigning them to make them DCC friendly), so unless you can find some gathering dust on a hobby shop shelf somewhere, they aren't an option anyway. So it comes down to: File out the flangeways Replace with newer versions Lay your own
Is Micro Engineering a manufacturer, or are they importers of another company's products? Has anyone ever seen a ME representative at a trade show?
Guys, I was about to start a thread. I did just post similar in another thread but I think it's unnoticed . So I'll jump in here...As I mentioned in prior, titled "Benchwork & Ply Question" that I'm in HO but may return to N due to space limits, I'd later added a question about Atlas 55 line..As you are all discussing it here , I wish to ask: Is ALL the later issued 55 now unproblematic ? It all looks good to me but having not bought any was unaware of flangeway problems and/or other hassles..In other words, IF, IF I go back to N can I expect a glitchless ride with the Atlas assuming I lay it down well and all ?
I have #5's from the very first batch and I have some from a newer batch with a different throw bar, both seem to have the same frog, but all my #7's are fine. If they would fit I'd try #7's.
I find Atlas c55 to be fairly reliable. I ran into some flange issues, but that was because my locos were out of alignment, mostly too wide. It was an easy fix. All my low profile wheels on cars have always rolled through them no problems.
I just talked to someone at Micro Engineering - they are a manufacturer. The code 55 turnouts are currently not available due to being converted to "DCC friendly" - still undergoing testing, so they may not be available for a couple months. Code 70 turnouts are available - you can order direct from Micro Engineering. Micro Engineering Company - 1120 Eagle Rd, Fenton, MO 63026-4507 (near St. Louis) 636-349-1112
