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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 17:22:22 GMT -5
Hello again ... unfortunately ! I "thought" that I had decided to build my layout with standard Rokuhan tracks, so this morning I went to the site rokuhan.de to see again the official prices. In fact it reflects the stock of the european distributor, Noch of Germany. I wanted to buy one turnout and the set of 4 straight tracks (with wooden sleepers, nr. 7297009) with one "connector" to test, via my dealer. "No stock". I think this set is something very common ... So I phoned to my dealer who contacted Noch : "Because these products come from Japan, the next delivery is in APRIL". I was always thinking that the times of transportation via camels (as on the "Silk Road" ) were over ...  So one can see what happens if a spare part is needed (if at least it exists ! ). This is not a very good commercial practice. So I decided to try again fixing at least a piece of standard straight track by Märklin ... and I succeeded with the "Amati" tool. My error the first time was to use a hammer (as seen on some "tutorials"), in fact the nails can be pushed in via hands only, without damaging the sleepers. But I am still thinking that Märklin flex track is too "strong", even if I cut the plastic part every 3 cm (normally, this should be already done in the factory ! ). So the idea of a 3D-layout came back ... if I could use Atlas flex track, which seems to be, as I read, easier to use (meanwhile I had a rather precise idea how to modify the layout to have at least access hatches) ; even if the trains "disappear" in tunnels for some time, it would be more interesting with 2 stations. A german distributor (Marsilius Trains) is selling it, but on their site it's mentionned "backorder", and they couldn't tell me anything about holes for nails in the sleepers. Via mail I contacted the consumer service at Atlas and got the answer that there were no holes pre-drilled, but "indentations" (?) every 1.5 inches, which could be used as a guide for drilling nail holes. So, because some modellers among You seem to know this track, only two quick questions : 1) Is the track really about 1m ? On some sites it is given 66cm (on the other side, the track by Peco is indicated 1m, and it's wrong). 2) Are the "indentations" really useable to drill the holes, without fixing the track on a X-Y table ? I am aware that this track must be bought with a minimum number of parts (I have read 5 on my former topic), but for the price I can afford taking the risk (it's less than the price for one turnout), and that there is some "delivery delay" because these items (unlike Rokuhan ! ), are not very common. I am happy that I didn't already put my Märklin turnout on the "Bay", at Atlas they said the track would be compatible. If there is no success with the Atlas track, my ultimate possibility is building the "simple" layout with ... standard Märklin track, and feeders on the joiners every 5 to 7 parts ! I hope that the long BB or CC locomotives have less problems on the turnouts as some short (Diesel 261 or steam) locomotives by Märklin ... or I will increase the minimum speed ! Thanks for every answer ; I think my layout project looks meanwhile like the "NeverEnding Story"  . |
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Post by dawdawes on Mar 1, 2017 17:54:23 GMT -5
Don't buy my Rokuhan in Europe it's too expensive,£40 for a point,when Plaza Japan sells them for £18, even If I get caught for import I still save at least 30%, ok so you have to wait between 10 and 21 days but the savings are mega
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 23:39:29 GMT -5
1) And how do You pay ? I don't have a credit card, I perform all my international payments via bank transfer (IBAN) ...
2) I prefer my local dealer, so if an item is defective, he can send it back !
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 1:00:26 GMT -5
Thanks for Your answers, but I see that this topic goes adrift, to the advantages and disadvantages of international ordering, a subject which could be a topic for itself. My initial and main questions were about the Atlas Flex track ...
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Post by markm on Mar 2, 2017 10:53:07 GMT -5
As I already mentioned, I've gone away from using nails. But when I did, I'd drill the holes with a small drill bit in a hand pin vise. Power tools were just too aggressive and I damaged too many ties and broke too many drill bits.
mark
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Post by dazed on Mar 2, 2017 11:07:58 GMT -5
The main issue in your original post is the distributor that your shop uses is out of Rokuhan track and you're completely blowing up your plan because of it. This is hardly Rokuhan's fault. Rokuhan is READILY available from a variety of places. You certainly must understand that not using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal will significantly limit your options. Like someone else said....by all means operate your finances as you wish, but you have to be prepared for the consequences and inconvenience associated with that choice.
Regarding Atlas, the length is 24", or 60.9 cm. Peco is the same length as Atlas.
I would recommend not using nails at all to affix flex track. That technique went out decades ago...best to use adhesive, with push pins to hold the flex until the adhesive dries.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 15:02:19 GMT -5
Problem : if I need only FEW parts, I can't order them in Japan, but my local dealer can order them at Noch. But I don't think he will do so if I bought about 90% of my tracks in Japan before ! And, sorry, Noch of Germany is THE distributor for Rokuhan in Europe.
Now the (I hope) last question, about reliability : which turnouts cause less derailment problems ? Märklin or Rokuhan ? In an article about couplers I read (about 1 hour before : Murphy is still alive) that one should use the "Dremel", glue some parts, etc, on Märklin turnouts. Are the Rokuhan models more reliable ? So I think I would make my "simple" layout, but with Rokuhan tracks ; the original connecting system can be hidden under a plattform in the stations, and I think I will find a solution outside the stations, in cutting the big square and soldering the wires directly to the contacts of the adapter, and then "superglue" it under the track, or at least remove the cover on the square (I did never write that I would not ballast BESIDE the track) ... It seems less risky than soldering to the rails, because it can't affect the geometry. The delivery delay would so be a minor problem compared to the reliability !
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Post by boxcarwilly on Mar 3, 2017 11:39:48 GMT -5
You can buy Rokuhan track from Tony at Z Scale Monster. I don't use it myself, but I've learned from others it is far superior to MTL and Marklin especially the turnouts. Could be, I don't know.
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Post by dawdawes on Mar 3, 2017 13:02:40 GMT -5
I can see everyone's points,but in this day and age if I can save money on track I will.(New layout has 18 points,£720,list,-30% = £490 no brainer) if the track we use was more readily available and cheaper in the first place I would purchase in the UK, i still buy small amounts of straight or curved track in the UK if it's small amounts but not big orders.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Mar 3, 2017 13:31:48 GMT -5
Problem : if I need only FEW parts, I can't order them in Japan, but my local dealer can order them at Noch. But I don't think he will do so if I bought about 90% of my tracks in Japan before ! And, sorry, Noch of Germany is THE distributor for Rokuhan in Europe. I completely understand your desire to work within the rules of Rokuhan's distributor for Germany (Noch) and I agree that we should all support our local shops. However... IF Noch has agreed to distribute Rokuhan's products, THEN Noch has a responsibility to keep a good supply of Rokuhan in inventory. If your dealer says that Noch doesn't have what you need and it will be a special order, then I would argue that Noch is not keeping enough Rokuhan product in their warehouse. What to do? I have worked with Rokuhan for many years, and I know they are professional and keep good inventory levels at their facilities in Japan and China. If Noch cannot supply what you want then, you might consider sourcing your order from America or Japan. Or, consider Marklin track. Some do not like the physical appearance of Marklin track, but it works well, and is very functional. Do not get frustrated. This is supposed to be fun. Do what makes you comfortable and happy. Thanks for Your answers, but I see that this topic goes adrift, to the advantages and disadvantages of international ordering, a subject which could be a topic for itself. My initial and main questions were about the Atlas Flex track ... Atlas Flex track is wonderful. Best, -Rob(A) AZL |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2017 14:17:04 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2017 15:31:04 GMT -5
Thank You for the answer. I think Märklin didn't change anything since 2011 (and perhaps long before) ... So I think I will use Rokuhan tracks, disable the power switching, but insert insulated joiners to the ends of some sections and switch the power to these tracks parts with the remaining contacts of the relay already used for the turnout ... or try using a pure electronic control method for the turnout (one halfth of power bridge L293D with monostable multivibrators) and a relay in parallel, I read somewhere (about DCC) that Rokuhan turnouts need a pulse between 0.5 and 1s in length). Unfortunately there are no (more) relays with more than 4 switches ; it depends upon the control method I will use, if I have to use 2 or 3 switches per track in the station : simple insulated "stop" sections don't allow double traction ; a detecting system, switching the power off to the whole track, would do it but it is much more complicated, because 3 sections of rail must be switched off, in order to avoid the possible "bridges" I mentioned in a former topic. I don't like DCC, it is too sophisticated and, as written on many appliances, "with no user serviceable parts" ; when I develop a system myself, I know how it works and am able to service it ; and I will never use SMD chips in the circuits I build myself. For testing purposes I can find SOME FEW parts by Rokuhan on the "BAY" (even new and in original blister) or at "Conrad Electronics" (the german "Radio Shack", but still alive ! ) ; for the most parts I will wait ; april is not too far away ! And I think I will use that lap of time to finalize my different electronic devices. And now my answer to "Rob" : You are writing something like : "if Noch were a serious distributor, they would look for having a sufficient stock". OK, but I answer : "if a reseller is serious, he accepts payment via bank transfer, performed at the moment the articles are ordered" ; I know many resellers who do this, they wait to get the transfer (between 1 and 2 days in Europe) and only then they send the ordered articles. This method is secure both for the seller and the client (who pays the cost for the transfer). So, if You know what I, for MYSELF, call a serious reseller for Rokuhan, I could perhaps be interested ... |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2017 3:32:57 GMT -5
Because I am a "curious" guy, I took a glance at Japan Plaza and Zscalehobo. Yes, the prices for Rokuhan are about 30% less than those in Germany ... but You forget the costs for transportation and for CUSTOMS to the EU ! A friend of mine ordered via E-Bay a model of a 1/16 Jeep in the USA and I remember that he had to add about 20 to 25% to the price listed ... No comment !
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Post by strummer on Mar 22, 2017 21:39:33 GMT -5
My initial and main questions were about the Atlas Flex track ... Atlas Flex track is wonderful. Best, -Rob(A) AZL Rob (A) Can you elaborate? Am about ready to purchase some, and would like to get some thoughts as to its quality, appearance and its "workability". Thanks. Mark in Oregon |
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Post by BAZman on Mar 22, 2017 23:39:54 GMT -5
Mark, I think Loren has some already. Looks IDENTICAL to their N scale, except Z gauged. Comments and MANY comparison pictures on TrainBoard: www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/atlas-flex-track.94930/Same tie spacing as MTL flex. 2x longer Easy flexible, about like Peco (and märklin, after you cut their ties on one side, like he instructions say to do) Brown ties. Wider rail head than MTL, but same as Rokuhan, Peco and märklin. |
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So one can see what happens if a spare part is needed (if at least it exists ! ). This is not a very good commercial practice. 
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