|
|
Post by ugeesta on Dec 3, 2017 10:45:53 GMT -5
I’m thinking on expanding my layout which has Märklin track. I’d like to add a 2 line figure 8 created with flex track instead of the standard 30 and 45 degree bends. The new figure 8 would be an extension of two of my existing circuits. Since the new Atlas flex track is about half the cost of the Marklin flex, I’d like to use the Atlas instead.
Do the Marklin and Atlas tracks join together well? If not, is there another track that would or am I stuck using the Marklin track?
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Dec 3, 2017 12:44:54 GMT -5
Fundamentally, all Z scale track can be made to mate with each other. The Märklin track is about 2 mils higher than the Atlas and you may want to polish the Märklin track a bit at the junction. You'll also find the rail joiners are a bit different and, if I remember right, use the Atlas joiner and crimp it on the Märklin rails.
I'm not using the Märklin track much these days, so I haven't put much work into testing it with the Atlas track.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by strummer on Dec 3, 2017 22:39:53 GMT -5
...(the other) MarkM is correct, about both the height and the rail joiners.
Marklin does mate with both Atlas and MTL, although indeed there is a slight difference. I think the Marklin rails are just a hair "larger" over all, whereas the Atlas and MTL rails are pretty close.
All of which kind of makes sense...I'd go with the Atlas for sure, and then get some of those new switches when they come out!
Mark (this one) in Oregon
PS: I mentioned the MTL simply because I have tried it with the other brands.
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Dec 4, 2017 10:09:58 GMT -5
... Marklin does mate with both Atlas and MTL, although indeed there is a slight difference. I think the Marklin rails are just a hair "larger" over all, whereas the Atlas and MTL rails are pretty close. The Atlas and MTL rails are, within manufacturing tolerances, the same height. The differences are in the rail profile. The rail heel is a bit wider on MTL and the rail head is a bit wider on Atlas. Just remember these are #5 turnouts, not interchangeable with Märklin units in most applications. Mark (not in Oregon) |
|
|
|
Post by ugeesta on Dec 4, 2017 10:56:53 GMT -5
Okay, thanks. I have a mile of Marklin track which was an expensive pill to swallow for my current layout. It may not matter though as I am getting resistance from the other persons I share the house with. Something about not enough room and cost impacts. I just don’t understand her sometimes......
|
|
|
|
Post by strummer on Dec 4, 2017 12:05:56 GMT -5
MarkM
I thought the new Atlas turnouts are to be #6s, whereas the Marklins are #5s; do I have that wrong?
Mark (the one) in Oregon
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Dec 4, 2017 12:17:15 GMT -5
Mea culpa. It's a #6. Unfortunate because I've been doing all my calculations based on a $5...back to the calculator.
Mark
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 12:58:08 GMT -5
In Germany the Atlas turnouts are shown here. But for myself I will stay "full Rokuhan" ...  |
|
|
|
Post by neverland on Dec 5, 2017 20:14:41 GMT -5
What about the Peco flex track?
|
|
|
|
Post by BAZman on Dec 6, 2017 0:54:14 GMT -5
Peco SL-200 is *exactly* identical in all dimensions to märklin. Rail dimensions, rail height, tie spacing, tie size. 100%. Well, the Peco ties were .01 longer. And, the Peco is a pre-cut ties (underneath) so completely flexible in both directions, not just 1, like märklin's, where you have to cut every other tie.
|
|
